Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has been named the interim coach for the Browns after head coach Hue Jackson was fired Monday, according to ESPN. A source confirmed the move to News 5.
Before being hired as the Browns’ defensive coordinator in 2017, he was the defensive coordinator for the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams from 2014 to 2016. Williams coached the Buffalo Bills from 2001 to 2003, finishing with a 17-31 record and no playoff appearances.
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Under his leadership, Cleveland's defense has improved, ranking 14th in total defense and 7th in rushing defense in 2017. This year the Browns lead the NFL in takeaways.
Between 2009 and 2011 Williams served as defensive coordinator in New Orleans where he helped the team advance to the postseason all three years, even winning Super Bowl XLIV.
The NFL suspended Williams and Saints head coach Sean Payton for their part in a bounty system in which the NFL said Saints players were paid for hits that injured opponents. The penalty, a one-year suspension, was one of the harshest in NFL history. Williams has said there was no intent to cause injury.
Freddie Kitchens will serve as offensive coordinator.
