
BEREA, OHIO - JUNE 10: Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees of the Cleveland Browns directs a drill during Cleveland Browns mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 10, 2025 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
BREAKING NEWS: Cleveland Browns’ Offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees Rejects Jaw-Dropping $2 Million Offer from Baltimore Ravens
CLEVELAND, OH – July 13, 2025 – In a stunning display of loyalty and strategic commitment, Cleveland Browns’ Offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees has reportedly spurned a colossal $2 million annual offer from the fierce AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens. This audacious bid from Baltimore was a clear attempt to poach one of the NFL’s most promising young offensive minds, but Rees’s decision to remain with the Browns underscores a deeper commitment to Head Coach Kevin Stefanski’s vision and the established culture in Cleveland.
The news, initially whispered among coaching circles and later corroborated by multiple national sports outlets, has sent reverberations across the NFL, particularly within the intensely competitive AFC North. The Ravens’ aggressive pursuit of Rees was a clear indication of their desire to inject fresh offensive creativity and a proven developer of talent into their coaching ranks. The $2 million figure, an exceptionally high salary for a coordinator, highlights Rees’s rapidly ascending stock after a season where he orchestrated one of the league’s most efficient and surprising offenses.
“It was an incredibly compelling offer, one that would make almost any coach seriously consider a move,” a source familiar with the negotiations revealed, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Baltimore laid out a very attractive package and a significant role within their offensive structure. But Tommy has a profound belief in what Coach Stefanski is building and continues to build in Cleveland. He sees the continuity, the player development, and the championship aspirations here, and that clearly outweighed the financial incentive to move to a new program, especially a division rival.”
Rees, who arrived in Cleveland with a reputation for intelligent play-calling and a strong rapport with quarterbacks, quickly established himself as a vital component of the Browns’ offensive brain trust. Under his guidance, the Browns’ offense, despite navigating significant challenges, showcased a blend of innovative passing concepts and a robust running game. The synergy between Rees and Head Coach Stefanski, a partnership built on shared offensive philosophies, has been particularly effective, creating a cohesive and adaptable offensive system that maximizes player strengths.
The Baltimore Ravens’ ambition to solidify their offensive staff and ensure continued success is well-documented. After a season marked by offensive inconsistencies, particularly in the passing game, the Ravens were keen to make a splash hire that would energize their fanbase and provide a clear direction for their program’s attack. Rees, with his proven track record of offensive scheme design and his ability to get the most out of his players, was reportedly at the very top of their wishlist. The reported $2 million offer was a testament to how highly the Ravens valued his capabilities and how much they believed he could transform their offensive fortunes.
However, Rees’s decision to stay speaks volumes about the environment and stability within the Cleveland Browns organization. While the financial aspect is always a consideration in professional sports, sources indicate that Rees’s deep loyalty to Coach Stefanski, his comfort with the established culture, the consistent talent acquisition, and the perennial opportunity to compete for playoff berths and championships were paramount. The unique camaraderie and the unwavering commitment to building a winning program in Cleveland likely outweighed the allure of a significant pay raise and a new challenge at a rival institution.
“Coach Rees is more than just a coordinator to us; he’s a brilliant mind who truly understands how to put us in the best position to succeed,” said a prominent Browns player, who requested anonymity to speak freely. “He’s invested in us as players and as people. Knowing he’s staying means everything. He’s a huge reason why we believe we can win it all.”
The news has been met with a collective sigh of relief and widespread celebration from the Browns fanbase, who had grown increasingly anxious about the possibility of losing a key offensive architect. Social media platforms were abuzz with messages praising Rees’s loyalty and commitment to the “Dawg Pound.” For Ravens fans, the rejection is a bitter pill to swallow, highlighting the ongoing challenges they face in attracting top-tier coaching talent away from deeply entrenched and successful programs, especially within their own division.
This decision also has broader implications for the escalating salaries of assistant coaches in the NFL. The $2 million offer to an offensive coordinator sets a new, albeit rejected, benchmark for what teams are willing to pay to secure and retain top-tier talent. Rees’s refusal, despite the record-setting sum, suggests that factors beyond pure economics—such as loyalty, established relationships, and a belief in a program’s long-term vision—are increasingly influencing coaching decisions, especially for those already in highly desirable positions within stable and championship-contending organizations.
For Tommy Rees, the focus now returns squarely to the upcoming season. With a talented roster at his disposal and an established offensive system, expectations for the Browns’ offense will be high. His decision to remain in Cleveland reinforces the perception of stability and strength within the program, sending a clear message to players, agents, and opponents alike: the Browns are building something enduring, and their key architects are fully committed to its continued evolution and success. The AFC North, and indeed the entire NFL, will be watching closely to see the dividends of this pivotal decision.