Report: Michigan interested in Cleveland Browns OC Tommy Rees to replace Sherrone Moore

Michigan is interested in Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees for its head coach vacancy to replace Sherrone Moore, Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot reported. Rees previously served as the offensive coordinator at his alma mater, Notre Dame, and Alabama before joining the Browns.

Rees’ name has come up a few times this coaching cycle, including in connection with the Penn State vacancy. Cleveland.com reported he interviewed for the position before the Nittany Lions ultimately hired Matt Campbell from Iowa State.

Rees, an Illinois native, also appeared on On3’s Pete Nakos’ Michigan Hot Board after Moore’s dismissal this week. He joined the Browns’ staff in 2024 as pass game coordinator and tight ends coach before becoming offensive coordinator this season. Cleveland is currently getting ready to take on the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

After the Browns’ bye week this year, Kevin Stefanski gave Rees play-calling duties. Cleveland’s offense has had an up-and-down go with three quarterbacks starting under center, and the franchise’s 3,508 total yards ranks 30th in the NFL entering Week 15.

More on Tommy Rees’ coaching career

Before the Browns hired him, Tommy Rees served as Nick Saban’s offensive coordinator at Alabama in 2023. That year, the Crimson Tide ranked eighth in the SEC with 393.1 yards per game, and their 34 points per game ranked fourth in the conference. Jalen Milroe also had a huge season, throwing for 3,834 yards and 23 touchdowns while rushing for 531 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground to finish sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting.

Rees’ time at Alabama came after three seasons as the offensive coordinator at Notre Dame, where he starred as a quarterback from 2010-13 and joined Brian Kelly’s staff as quarterbacks coach from 2017-19. The Fighting Irish ranked No. 42 in the nation with 31.8 points per game in 2023, and their 396.2 yards per game ranked No. 60 in FBS.

Michigan’s coaching search is in the early stages after the school announced Moore’s firing Wednesday. Athletics director Warde Manuel confirmed the termination was with cause after a university investigation found evidence of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. That not only violated the terms of Moore’s contract, but also school policy, which led to his departure.

Michigan went 9-3 during the 2025 regular season, falling to Ohio State to round things out. The Wolverines are currently getting ready for the Citrus Bowl against Texas on New Year’s Eve. Biff Poggi will serve as the interim head coach for the game following Moore’s dismissal.