Written by Cris Sykes

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The Cleveland Browns have brought back another native Ohioan to run their offense with the announcement that Rob Chudzinski has been hired.

Former Cleveland Browns tight end coach Rob Chudzinski has been brought back to the Browns to serve as the new offensive coordinator.  Chudzinski returns to Cleveland after a two-year stint as tight ends coach for the San Diego Chargers, where he has had All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates under his tutelage for the last two years.  

Most will remember Rob from his previous tour of duty as tight ends coach in Cleveland, where he also got a turn as offensive coordinator in the last four games of the during the 2004 season after Butch Davis was run out of town and Terrie Robiskie was promoted to interim head coach.  

Prior to becoming the Cleveland Browns tight ends coach, Chudzinski was an assistant coach with his alma-matter, The University of Miami, Fl.  “Chud” served as tight ends coach in Miami from 1996-2000 after being promoted from a graduate assistant position, which he held for two years.  After the 2000 season at Miami, Rob was promoted to offensive coordinator under coach Larry Coker. 

Miami’s offense was one of the most prolific in the country in Chudzinski’s three years at the helm.  The ‘Canes played in a BCS Bowl game during each of Rob’s three seasons in control.  His 2002 Miami offense set school records in points scored, total yards and rushing touchdowns.

Chudzinski’s most successful understudy while at Miami was none other than Cleveland Browns star tight end Kellen Winslow, and the two have a great working and personal relationship.  Early indications show that “Chud” will rely heavily on Kellen to establish a power running game that utilizes the tight end down the seam of the defense.

Chudzinski is another Ohio native brought in by the Browns in an attempt to bring back the strong relationship between the team and the fans.  Chudzinski was born in Toledo, Ohio and professes to be a life long Browns fan.