Ex-Browns assistant Stump Mitchell says time in Cleveland 'nothing short of extraordinary'

BEREA — A day after the Browns fired running backs coach Stump Mitchell, the longtime NFL coach issued a statement to express his feelings about his time in Cleveland.

Mitchell, 64, was originally hired by the Browns in 2019 as a part of then-coach Freddie Kitchens' staff. Kevin Stefanski kept him on staff when he was hired by the team in 2020, and he was the last holdover from Kitchens' staff this past season.

The decision to move on from Mitchell was part of a larger offensive staff shakeup. Also involved were tight ends coach T.C. McCartney and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.

"Since my arrival at the franchise bearing the esteemed name of Paul Brown, by way of Coach Freddie Kitchens, my time in Cleveland has been nothing short of extraordinary," Mitchell's statement said Thursday. "I extend my heartfelt gratitude to team owner Jimmy and Dee Haslam, GM Andrew Berry, Chief Strategy Officer Paul DePodesta, and Coach Stefanski for an enriching five seasons as the Running Back Coach/Run Game Coordinator.

"I want to express my sincere thanks to the players and running backs who donned the Browns helmet, giving their all to achieve success on Game Day. I devoted my efforts to maximize your hard work and talent, and it has been a rewarding journey.

"The Browns organization played a pivotal role in embracing my vision of incorporating the Bill Willis Diversity Coaching Fellowship into their framework. Over the past three years, this program has provided opportunities for three young Black coaches, starting with Ashton Grant, followed by Israel Woolfork, now serving as the Quarterback coach for the Arizona Cardinals, and Nemo Washington.

"Above all, I am deeply grateful for the unwavering support of my family and my love for the dedicated and hard-working fans of Ohio, particularly the Browns Backers. Your support is truly appreciated.  I look forward to the next phase of my coaching career."

"Thank You!

"Sincerely, Stump Mitchell"

The Browns conducted an interview with Duce Staley on Wednesday as a potential replacement for Mitchell. The 48-year-old has coached with the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers, the last this past season as the assistant head coach/running backs coach.

Mitchell, who spent 10 seasons as a player in the NFL with the Cardinals (1981-89) and Chiefs (1990), oversaw a position group that boasted running back Nick Chubb, one of the league's top players. However, Chubb sustained a knee injury in Week 2 at Pittsburgh that had a significant impact on the Browns' running game.

The Browns tried to fill the massive void left by Chubb's injury by the group of Jerome Ford, Kareem Hunt and Pierre Strong Jr. After averaging 202 yards over the first two games, they averaged 107.5 yards rushing over the final 15 regular-season games.

Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on Twitter at @ceasterlingABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Stump Mitchell thanks Browns, fans in message after dismissal