As Travis Switzer sat at the podium for his introductory press conference as the new offensive coordinator for the Browns, he recalled his own playing experience that took place about 38 miles away.
Switzer was the starting center for the University of Akron beginning in his sophomore season in 2012, and he made 36 consecutive starts in his final three seasons. Fast forward 14 years later in his role with the Browns, Switzer knows what football means to Northeast Ohio.
"I understand what the Browns mean to Cleveland," Switzer said. "So, that's something that we don't take lightly, and I'm very excited about."
Switzer joined the Browns' coaching staff after spending nine seasons with the Ravens and overlapping with head coach Todd Monken from 2023-25 in Baltimore. As the run game coordinator, Switzer worked closely and collaboratively with Monken to create the run game – an approach he believes will translate to the Browns in their new roles.
"Coach Monk and I were great from day one, and our relationship has certainly built from that, getting a little more comfortable with each other," Switzer said. "I think how he thinks, and the more we can kind of do that, the better the operation's going to be. […] He's a collaborative guy. He wants to listen, and then we decide together. And he believes that with him and I, the whole staff, that's his philosophy. And it's been like that since I met him."
Now, Switzer will be tasked with building the offensive system in Cleveland. As he does so, Switzer highlighted the importance of taking care of the football, scoring touchdowns in the red zone, and playing tough, physical and fast as traits that will be prominent in the offense. From there, they will build the specific aspects of the scheme around who is on the roster to best utilize the strengths of their players.
Switzer said he also wants to create an offensive system that is multiple in order to stress opposing defenses in a variety of ways – which will allow them to build the offense around their players.
"I think that's something that Monk has been elite at and we were able to do in Baltimore as well," Switzer said. "So, if the system's built in the right way from the jump, you're able to move down this avenue and expand on that. But it goes back to how it's built in day one. Like I said, multiple enough you can stress the defense, cater it to your players, but then also designed in a great way and tight enough where you can execute at a high level. And you're still complimentary within the system."
As he, Monken and the offensive staff have begun that process, they first studied the players currently on the roster. Switzer sees a number of players on the roster that he is excited to utilize in their offensive scheme.
For Switzer, one of the players that list begins with is TE Harold Fannin Jr. In his rookie season, Fannin led the Browns with 72 receptions, the most ever by a Browns rookie. He also finished second among all NFL rookies in receptions, tied for second in receiving touchdowns with six and was fourth in receiving yards at 731. With Monken's previous usage of tight ends in his offensive system with the Ravens and at Georgia, Switzer sees opportunities to maximize Fannin.
"He's a matchup type of player that can put the defense in situations that are hard," Switzer said. "How do they match? Who do they put on him? You know, because he's versatile, he's able to do multiple things to where, like I said, you can really put the defense in a tough position as far as matchups go."
He also highlighted WR Jerry Jeudy, RB Quinshon Judkins and their quarterback room consisting of Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson. And while he sees the potential with those players, Switzer also acknowledged the offensive line as a position group they will address during the offseason.
The offensive line could see a decent amount of turnover, as a number of key veteran players are set to become free agents when free agency officially begins on March 11. As they add players to the roster, whether through free agency or the draft, Switzer said they will look to develop and teach their offensive linemen in their new offensive scheme.
"They are the heartbeat and the tone setters of your offense," Switzer said. "It starts with getting guys who play the way that we want to see – that's getting after people, running off the ball, throwing your hand in the pass pro and finishing it – and we have some of those guys here, and then we're going to add more of them as well."
At quarterback, the Browns will have another decision about who will be their starter for the 2026 season. As they navigate the process, Switzer believes being an elite leader and decision maker are key traits they are looking for in their starting quarterback.
"We're excited about Dillon (Gabriel), we're excited about Deshaun (Watson)," Switzer said. "Anytime you have a guy who has had the success that he's had, he's got to be part of the equation for when it comes to competing for that job. And then Shedeur (Sanders) and what he was able to show last year. He's still young. He has a lot of growth that he can still achieve, especially year one to year two. He only started seven games last year. So, I think there's a lot to be excited about in that room."
As Switzer and the Browns go through the different markers of the offseason with free agency and the draft, they will see their roster fill out and be able to finish curating their offensive scheme. When players return to CrossCountry Mortgage Campus for OTAs in the coming months, Switzer will have his first opportunity to work with his offensive players.
"There's a lot of pieces here to get excited about," Switzer said. "You don't take a job unless you're excited about the pieces you have."
