Throughout the Browns' search for a new head coach, associate editor and staff writer Kelsey Russo will break down the candidates as they go through the interview process with the team. Next, let's look at Dan Pitcher, current Bengals offensive coordinator.
1) Pitcher has spent 10 seasons with the Bengals, and the last two seasons as offensive coordinator. In 2024, Pitcher helped Cincinnati lead the NFL in passing yards per game at 272.9 yards for the second time in team history since 1975. The Bengals also ranked fifth leaguewide in red zone touchdown percentage (63.9), sixth in scoring at 27.8 points per game and ninth in total yards per contest at 365.5 yards.
2) During Pitcher's stint as the Bengals' quarterbacks coach from 2020-23, he coached QB Joe Burrow through his rookie season, helping him transition to the pro level in 2020. Prior to his season-ending injury in Game 10, Burrow's 264 completions were the most ever by a quarterback through their first 10 career starts (now second), while his 2,688 passing yards were fifth (now sixth).
Pitcher also coached Burrow to his first career Pro Bowl selection in 2022. The third-year signal caller ranked fifth in the NFL with 414 completions and tied for second with 35 touchdown passes.
3) Pitcher has coached in a Super Bowl. Pitcher was working as the quarterbacks coach and developing Burrow in 2021 as the Bengals made their postseason run to the 2022 Super Bowl. That season, Burrow helped the Bengals win the AFC North and then passed for 1,105 yards and five touchdowns during the postseason. Cincinnati ultimately fell short in the 2022 Super Bowl, losing to the Rams 23-20.
4) Pitcher spent four seasons in player personnel roles with the Indianapolis Colts. He served as a pro scout from 2014-15, after working as a scouting assistant from 2012-13. With Pitcher on staff, the Colts compiled a 41-23 regular-season record (.641), with three playoff berths and two AFC South championships. Pitcher's responsibilities included advance scouting and evaluation of free agents.
Pitcher and Browns Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry overlapped at the Colts. Berry spent seven seasons from 2009-15 in Indianapolis and was elevated to pro scouting coordinator in 2012.
5) A native of Cortland, NY, Pitcher attended Cortland State (now known as SUNY Cortland) and spent 2008-11 as Cortland State's starting quarterback. He was also a team captain for three seasons from 2009-11 and won the team's Red Letter Award in 2011. As a senior, he was named a finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy, presented annually to the most outstanding Division III football player. Pitcher played in 30 career games, completing 402 of 674 passes for 5,033 yards and 54 touchdowns. At the time, he set a school record for career touchdown passes – now currently ranked third – and consecutive games with a touchdown pass at 13, spanning the 2010 and 2011 seasons.
