Browns fill out coaching staff with additions of Daboll, Ryan, Seely

CLEVELAND -- Eric Mangini is rounding up the old gang from New England to coach the Cleveland Browns.

Mangini, who took over in Cleveland only one week after being fired as the New York Jets' head coach, has hired Brian Daboll as his offensive coordinator, Rob Ryan as his defensive coordinator and Brad Seely as his special-teams coach.

All four previously worked together with the Patriots from 2000 to 2003.

Daboll was Mangini's quarterbacks coach in New York the past two seasons. Ryan came over after five seasons as the Oakland Raiders' defensive coordinator and Seely was the Patriots' special-teams coach for the past 10 seasons.

"I am extremely pleased to bring three quality people in Brian, Rob and Brad to our coaching staff and to the Cleveland Browns' organization," Mangini said in a statement. "I know firsthand that all three are very experienced, talented and dedicated coaches who share the same team-first vision and are passionate towards our goal of bringing an NFL championship to Cleveland."

Daboll spent this past season working closely with likely Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre. Daboll helped Favre get acclimated to New York's offense, which was clicking on full cylinders when the Jets started the season.

In their press release, the Browns pointed out that Favre finished in the top 10 in several statistical categories, but there was no mention that he threw two touchdown passes and nine interceptions as the Jets went 1-4 down the stretch and missed the playoffs. Favre refused to blame a torn biceps for his slide.

Daboll will replace Rob Chudzkinski, whose offense sputtered in 2008 after scoring 402 points as one of the NFL's most explosive units one season earlier. The Browns were done in by injuries and dropped passes as they failed to score an offensive touchdown in their last six games.

"I could not be more excited to have the opportunity to work for the Cleveland Browns, one of the most storied franchises in the history of the NFL," said Daboll, who's from Welland, Ontario. "Growing up a short drive away, I know how devoted and dedicated Browns fans are. I plan to use the experience I have garnered in my coaching career, on both offense and defense, to craft a tough, smart, hardworking unit."

Ryan is the son of Buddy Ryan, the architect of the Chicago Bears' famed 4-6 defense, and the twin brother of Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan. Mel Tucker was Cleveland's defensive coordinator last season.

In the five seasons that Ryan oversaw Oakland's defense, the Raiders allowed an NFL-worst 101 rushing touchdowns and the second-most rushing yards per game at 138.7. Only the Browns were worse, giving up 141.2 yards per game.

The Raiders had a 20-60 record in that span, going through four head coaches, four offensive coordinators, six offensive play-callers and only Ryan as defensive coordinator. Ryan was extremely popular with his players, in part because he steadfastly refused to criticize them in public, and he also got along well with team owner Al Davis.

"It's great to be part of the Browns' organization and to be reunited with Eric Mangini," Ryan said. "Brian, Brad and myself have accomplished a lot of good things with Eric in the past, and I look forward to continuing that in Cleveland."

Seely, who's replacing Ted Dasher, has been an NFL assistant for 20 years and won three Super Bowl rings from his time with the Patriots. This season, New England ranked third in the league in average starting position on kickoffs, and kicker Stephen Gostkowski made the Pro Bowl with a league-leading 148 points and 36 field goals.

"Eric and I have forged a relationship over the last 10 years, and I look forward to continuing that with the Browns," Seely said. "The Browns are very special. Having been in the NFL for many years, I am very aware of how important the team is to the city of Cleveland and its place in the NFL."

Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press