Former Browns Offensive Coordinator Could Reunite With Baker Mayfield

The Browns were quick to move on from offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt at the conclusion of the 2023 season. Now the former Cleveland assistant has a chance to potentially reunite with a quarterback he's familiar with

Former Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt may not have to wait too long to land a new gig.

Less than two weeks since Cleveland parted ways with the ex-NFL quarterback, he's already in line to land on his feet. One opportunity, could see him reunite with another former Brown in ex-quarterback Baker Mayfield.

According to multiple outlets, Van Pelt is set to interview for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator role following the departure of Dave Canales, who was recently accepted the Panthers head coaching job. Canales was key in helping revive Mayfield's career this past season as the 2018 No. 1 overall pick registered career highs in passing yards (4,044), touchdowns (28) and completion percentage (64%). Tampa Bay road Mayfield's career year all the way to the divisional round of the playoffs.

Former #Browns OC Alex Van Pelt is heading to Tampa to interview for the vacant #Bucs OC job today, source said. He’s also still in play in Las Vegas for #Raiders OC.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 29, 2024

Mayfield played this past season on a one-year, prove it deal worth $4 million, which means he is set to be a free agent in March. Given the productive season he had though it's fair to reason the Buccaneers will prioritize bringing him back to start under center next season. That would also be supported by the Bucs pursuit of Van Pelt, who worked closely with Mayfield as Cleveland's quarterback coach and OC for two seasons from 2020-2021.

Prior to this year, Mayfield's best marks in a season came under Van Pelt and Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski during a memorable 2020 campaign that saw Cleveland push the Chiefs to the brink in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.

The Buccaneers appear to have some company for Van Pelt's services, as he's also in the mix for the Raiders OC opening.