Browns offensive coordinator emerges as surprise candidate for Michigan job originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Cleveland Browns may soon have competition for one of their fastest-rising assistants. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees has drawn interest from the University of Michigan as the Wolverines begin their search for a new head coach, according to a report from cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot. The pursuit adds another twist to a coaching carousel already marked by abrupt change.
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Michigan is just beginning its process after firing Sherrone Moore on Wednesday following a university investigation that determined he “engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.” With Moore now detained and awaiting charges in a related assault investigation, the Wolverines are preparing for the Citrus Bowl under interim coach Biff Poggi while athletic director Warde Manuel launches a full national search.
Michigan’s Interest Comes as Rees Keeps His Focus on Cleveland
Rees declined to engage when asked Thursday about the Wolverines’ interest, sticking to the same message he shared after Penn State interviewed him last week.
“I’m going to just keep my focus here right now,” Rees said.
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He later expanded on that point during his weekly media availability. Making it clear that at leas for the immediate future, his only goal is to finish out the season in Cleveland.
“Yeah, I’m really focused on trying to play good offensive football, get a young quarterback ready to play, support our players,” Rees said. “Some of those things are flattering, and you listen as a competitor. But, you know, for me, my focus is really, how can we go score enough points to win a game? How can we put our young players, put our quarterback, put our offense in the right positions to have success? How to lead our staff? That’s really where my focus is right now.”
His restraint is notable given that he reportedly spoke with Penn State before the Nittany Lions hired Matt Campbell. That willingness to engage suggests he would at least consider a Michigan interview once the school begins formal conversations.
Why Rees Is on Michigan’s Radar
Rees’ profile has risen sharply over the last three years. Before joining Cleveland in 2024, he served as offensive coordinator at Notre Dame and then Alabama, where he helped Seattle Seahawks Jalen Milroe finish sixth in Heisman Trophy voting. The Crimson Tide averaged 34 points per game in 2023, ranking fourth in the SEC.
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Cleveland promoted Rees to offensive coordinator ahead of this season, and Kevin Stefanski handed him play-calling duties in Week 10. The Browns’ offensive results have been mixed, they rank 30th in total yardage entering Week 15, but context matters. Cleveland has started three different quarterbacks, including rookie Shedeur Sanders, and continues to overhaul its offensive identity on the fly.
Rees emphasized that his immediate responsibility is guiding Sanders and the Browns through their final four games, but Michigan’s timeline could force a decision sooner rather than later. With the Wolverines finishing 9-3 and coming off another loss to Ohio State, Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel is under pressure to stabilize the program quickly before his position becomes available as well.
Rees’ blend of college experience, recruiting credibility, and NFL seasoning makes him a compelling option and a surprise name in one of the biggest openings of the offseason.
