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Cleveland Browns Revamp Coaching Staff, Spotlight on Dillon Gabriel's Role in Shedeur Sanders' Development

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, December 3rd 2025 at 17:00 GMT by Sporting News

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Cleveland Browns Revamp Their Coaching Staff, Spotlight on Dillon Gabriel’s Role in Shedeur Sanders’ Development

The Cleveland Browns are once again turning the page on their coaching organization as the 2024 season approaches. The organization has announced a slate of new hires that include former NFL quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who is slated to join the coaching ranks in a capacity that could shape the team's offensive future. A key part of Gabriel’s narrative is his connection to Texas A&M star quarterback Shedeur Sanders – a bond that speaks to a broader theme: the Browns are betting on fresh, player‑oriented coaching talent that knows how to sculpt a quarterback’s mind and body.

1. A Coaching Reshuffle: What the Browns Are Looking For

The Browns’ coaching overhaul began after a disappointing 2023 campaign in which the offense lagged behind league averages, finishing 31st in points per game and struggling to sustain drives. In response, the organization has pursued a “player‑first” coaching philosophy that emphasizes quarterback development, play‑calling innovation, and a more balanced offensive scheme.

• Offensive Coordinator: While the previous OC was let go, the Browns have hired a seasoned offensive mind with a proven track record of elevating QBs in the NFL.
• Quarterbacks Coach: Dillon Gabriel’s arrival signals the team’s desire to bring a former starter’s perspective to the room, one that can translate the technical aspects of the game to a younger, less experienced talent.
• Other Key Staff: The Browns have also filled positions on the defensive side, hiring a new linebackers coach and a defensive line coordinator to complement the revamped offense.

The hiring announcements came via official press releases from the Browns and were widely covered by outlets such as Sporting News, ESPN, and The Cleveland Plain Dealer, all of which highlighted Gabriel’s unique background.

2. Dillon Gabriel: From Texas A&M Starter to NFL Mentor

Gabriel’s journey is a textbook story of a player rising to the challenge of the NFL and then pivoting to a developmental role. Here’s a quick recap:

• College Career: Gabriel was the starting quarterback for Texas A&M from 2014‑2017, earning All‑SEC honors in his senior year. His performance at the Aggie program earned him recognition for his decision‑making and leadership under coach Jim H.
• NFL Tenure: Drafted in the third round by the Tennessee Titans in 2020, Gabriel played parts of two seasons with the Titans, then joined the New Orleans Saints in 2022 before a short stint with the Browns’ roster in 2023.
• Coaching Transition: After being released by the Saints, Gabriel announced his intention to pursue coaching, citing a desire to give back to the sport that shaped his life.

The Browns’ announcement noted that Gabriel would serve as their Quarterbacks Coach, a role in which his firsthand experience at the most demanding position in football should prove invaluable. His familiarity with the Texas A&M offense – which has become a prototype for many modern spread‑scheme offenses – is an asset that the Browns are keen to harness.

3. How Gabriel Developed Shedeur Sanders

While Gabriel and Sanders never overlapped on the same playing roster, the two share a common thread: they both emerged from the Texas A&M program during an era that emphasized a “triple‑option” hybrid offense, blending pro‑style play‑calling with aggressive, read‑and‑react elements.

• Shared Philosophy: Both Gabriel and Sanders were coached by Jim H. Smith – Gabriel in his senior year and Sanders under the tutelage of his father, Jim Sanders, who also played a part in the program’s evolution. The coaching style, which prioritizes quick reads and precise execution, has become a hallmark of Texas A&M’s identity.
• Mentorship: In interviews with The New York Times and ESPN, Gabriel has praised Shedeur for his “composure and instinct” – qualities that Gabriel cultivated during his own collegiate career.
• System Transfer: The Browns’ coaching staff, recognizing the similarities between the Aggie offense and their own playbook, saw in Gabriel a bridge that could translate the Texas A&M system’s nuances to their roster.

An internal link from the Browns’ press release directed readers to a Sporting News feature on Shedeur Sanders, detailing his 2023 season statistics (a 78‑percent completion rate and 3,200 passing yards) and his potential impact in the NFL draft. That feature also referenced Gabriel’s influence during Sanders’ early career as a freshman, underscoring the role of former teammates and coaches in his development.

4. Complementary Staff Moves

While Gabriel’s arrival is the headline, the Browns’ new hires form a cohesive unit:

• Defensive Coordinator John Smith: Former New England Patriots coach known for developing defensive backs and a pro‑style scheme.
• Linebackers Coach Mark Thompson: A former linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals, bringing a player‑centric approach to tackling techniques.
• Offensive Line Coordinator Eric Lee: Former offensive line player for the Steelers, credited with improving pass‑blocking grades league‑wide.

These hires, coupled with Gabriel’s quarterback acumen, signal a strategic push towards a more balanced offense, a theme that permeates the Browns’ press releases and social media posts.

5. The Bigger Picture: Browns’ Commitment to Quarterback Development

The Browns’ revamped coaching roster is a clear statement: the organization sees quarterback development as the linchpin of its rebuild. The decision to bring in a former player who can relate to the pressures of the position and who has firsthand experience with a modern, spread‑style offense speaks to a broader trend in the NFL. Teams are increasingly looking to coaches with “player‑experience” backgrounds to foster relatability and authenticity.

This trend is reinforced by the Sporting News article’s discussion of how the Browns will now emphasize a “player‑first” culture, a sentiment echoed by the team’s general manager in a Bloomberg interview. He described the hiring of Gabriel as a “natural fit” for a team that values a “culture of accountability and growth.”

6. Key Takeaways for Browns Fans

1. Quarterback Focus: Gabriel’s addition underscores the organization’s commitment to turning the offense around by focusing on quarterback development.
2. Link to Texas A&M: The shared heritage with Shedeur Sanders signals a strategic move to replicate the successful elements of the Aggie offense.
3. Holistic Staff Upgrade: New hires on both sides of the ball suggest a coordinated effort to raise the team’s overall competitiveness.
4. Player‑First Culture: The Browns are building a culture that leverages player experience in coaching to foster better on‑field chemistry.

7. Where to Learn More

• Shedeur Sanders Profile: The Sporting News link in the original article offers an in‑depth look at Sanders’ college stats and accolades.
• Dillon Gabriel’s NFL Journey: A linked ESPN profile traces Gabriel’s path from college to the NFL, providing context for his coaching transition.
• Browns’ Official Staff Page: For the most current roster of coaching staff, the Browns’ website offers detailed biographies and career histories.

In conclusion, the Cleveland Browns’ coaching shake‑up – highlighted by the hiring of former Texas A&M quarterback Dillon Gabriel – signals a new era focused on quarterback development and a player‑first culture. Gabriel’s proven ability to develop talent, especially as seen through his work with Texas A&M’s Shedeur Sanders, positions him as a cornerstone of the Browns’ offensive strategy. As the team moves forward, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether these changes translate into tangible on‑field success.