Top Alabama coach becomes likely target for Cleveland Browns days after Kalen DeBoer lands top job 

Alabama's offensive coordinator Tommy Rees is reportedly the prime target for the Cleveland Browns, shortly after Kalen DeBoer clinched the head coaching position of the Crimson Tide. The Browns are reportedly on the verge of appointing Rees as their new tight ends coach.

The Athletic reported that Rees, a key figure in Nick Saban's Alabama team that boasted a 12-2 record and made the College Football Playoff, has agreed to terms with the Browns.

According to The Athletic's Zac Jackson, Rees is returning to Berea and will be involved in the development of the passing game.

“Tommy Rees has worked in Berea before, and now he’s coming back as part of the Browns’ revamped offensive staff.”

The negotiations remain ongoing, with no official confirmation yet. However, Rees is poised to replace T.C. McCartney, who, along with offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and running backs coach Stump Mitchell, was released last week.

This prospective appointment will mark Rees' second venture into the NFL, following his stint as an offensive assistant for the San Diego Chargers in 2016.

Players exit, but Kalen DeBoer has distinctive SEC strategy

Kalen DeBoer

Alabama's recent coaching change with the arrival of Kalen DeBoer led to a talent shakeup. Key players like Caleb Downs, Julian Sayin and Kadyn Proctor opted for new teams. The transfer portal closes on April 16.

On "The Next Round" podcast, Crimson Tide's offensive lineman Tyler Booker gave insights into the team's dynamics under DeBoer, emphasizing the coach's "non-negotiables", particularly focusing on "family, togetherness, and playing for one another."

According to Booker, Kalen DeBoer brings a unique approach to the SEC, though the team is young:

"We're a young team and we're still going to continue to develop in this offense we're going to inherit because DeBoer's very different from the typical SEC,” said Booker. “I'm excited to go out and take the field with him and do some things out there... When you have that togetherness, it's really hard for people to knock you off."