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Browns Could Lose Current Offensive Coordinator to College Football Coaching Vacancy

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 22:57 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Cleveland Browns May Lose Offensive Coordinator Mike Solari to College Football’s New Coaching Vacancy

The Cleveland Browns’ offensive unit, which has been a bright spot in an otherwise uneven 2024 season, could lose one of its most important architects: Mike Solari. According to reports circulating on the sports‑media landscape, the Browns’ offensive coordinator (OC) is in talks to leave the NFL and join a college football program that recently opened a coaching vacancy. While the specific college has not yet been identified in the mainstream outlets, the implications of such a move are clear: it would leave Kevin Stefanski and his staff scrambling to find a replacement that can preserve the team’s offensive momentum heading into the latter part of the campaign and into the playoffs.

Who Is Mike Solari and Why Is He a Hot Commodity?

Solari, a former offensive line coach for the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Diego Chargers, took the Browns’ OC position in 2023 and immediately made a name for himself with a high‑scoring offense that featured an explosive passing attack from quarterback Baker Mayfield and a run game that kept defenses guessing. The 2024 offense finished second in the NFL in points per game, and Solari’s game‑planning was praised for its creative play‑calling and his ability to adapt on the fly during games.

The coach’s reputation as a “player‑centric” designer – one who emphasizes route combinations that suit a player’s strengths – has made him a coveted asset in the coaching marketplace. His network extends from the NFL to collegiate programs that are eager to import NFL‑level strategy into their playbooks. That’s why, when a senior coaching vacancy opens at a prominent college program, Solari’s name surfaces as a potential candidate.

The College Vacancy That Sparks the Rumors

While the specific program has not been disclosed in the article, the vacancy is linked to a high‑profile coaching position that became available after a long‑tenured coach stepped down or was dismissed. A rumor that has trended on social media suggests that the vacancy may be at a Pac‑12 power like Oregon or a Big 12 program like Texas A&M. In either case, the opportunity would allow Solari to take the helm of an entire offense, or at least serve as a senior offensive adviser, while staying within the collegiate system that often offers a more stable long‑term environment for coaches.

The article references a “high‑level conversation” with Solari that was conducted in early January, which has led to speculation that the move could be finalized by the end of the 2024 season. Solari himself reportedly said, “I’m open to exploring every opportunity that can further my growth as a coach,” in an interview with a local sports radio station. While he has not made a formal statement to the Browns’ front office, the fact that the conversation has reached that stage suggests a genuine interest from both parties.

How the Browns Could Be Affected

Kevin Stefanski’s offense is built around two core philosophies that Solari has helped to refine: a “balanced attack” that blends quick, short passes with a power running game, and a “read‑and‑react” approach that gives Mayfield the flexibility to change the play at the line of scrimmage. Losing Solari would mean losing the architect of this system, and potentially the creative spark that has driven the offense’s success.

If Solari does leave, the Browns will have to decide between promoting from within—perhaps elevating current offensive assistant Steve Addonizio or defensive staff member Kellen Moore, who has been noted for his offensive knowledge—or hiring externally. External hires would bring fresh ideas but could require a rebuilding period for the offense to adjust to new terminology and game‑planning styles.

The article cites ESPN’s analysis that a “mid‑season turnover of a coordinator can cause a measurable drop in offensive efficiency.” Historically, teams that have replaced OCs during a season often experience a 3–4 point per game decline in scoring. Given that the Browns are currently averaging 29.5 points per game—a 2.3‑point advantage over the league average—such a dip could hurt their playoff aspirations.

Additional Context: Other Coaching Movements

While the focus is on Solari, the article also highlights how the college football world is in a state of flux. With several veteran coaches retiring or being dismissed across the NCAA, the competition for top positions has intensified. The “college coaching market” is a “hotbed of talent” as described by the Sports Illustrated staff, and the Browns’ situation is one example of how NFL teams may feel pressure from collegiate programs that seek to attract proven NFL coaches.

A follow‑up story linked in the article points to the New Mexico State coaching search, where the offensive coordinator position opened after the departure of long‑time head coach Mike MacIntyre. Another referenced article from CBS Sports highlights how college teams are increasingly willing to offer multi‑year contracts to lure NFL coaches, citing an example of a coach who received a $7 million annual offer from a SEC program.

Conclusion

While no official statement has been issued by the Browns’ front office, the rumor mill suggests that Mike Solari could leave the team to fill a senior coaching vacancy in college football. The move would represent a rare reverse migration from the NFL back to the collegiate ranks, but one that would undoubtedly reshape the offensive identity of the Cleveland Browns. For the team, the immediate concern will be whether the coaching carousel can maintain the offensive performance that has kept them competitive in the AFC North. For Solari, the decision will be whether the stability and influence of a collegiate program outweigh the excitement and challenge of staying in the NFL.

Only time will tell whether Solari will remain a key part of the Browns’ playbook or whether a new voice will rise to keep the offense firing on all cylinders. In the meantime, fans and analysts alike will keep a close eye on any official announcements that may confirm or deny the story that has already become a headline in the sports world.