Coach Kevin Stefanski has hired Duce Staley a 10-year NFL veteran as his new running backs coach

CLEVELAND (AP) The Cleveland Browns filled one of their coaching vacancies while preparing for a potential huge departure.

Coach Kevin Stefanski has recruited Duce Staley, a 10-year NFL veteran, as his new running backs coach, according to a person familiar with the move. Staley was fired from Carolina last season.

Staley, who previously interviewed with the New York Jets, will take over for the recently fired Stump Mitchell, according to a person who spoke with the AP on the condition of anonymity because the Browns will not comment on coaching changes until Stefanski fills up his staff.

Mitchell was fired last week with a year left on his contract, along with offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and tight ends coach T.C. McCartney, just days after the Browns were defeated 45-14 by the Houston Texans in the AFC playoffs.

Staley, 48, will take over a running backs group with some questions. Nick Chubb, a former Pro Bowler, is set to miss the start of next season after undergoing two knee surgeries to repair torn knee ligaments suffered in Week 2.

Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr. will return next season, but it’s unclear whether the team will re-sign Kareem Hunt, who was dismissed by Cleveland but returned when Chubb was injured and scored nine touchdowns.

Staley totaled 5,785 yards while playing for Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

As Stefanski restructures his staff, he may lose well-known offensive line coach Bill Callahan, who could join his son Brian’s staff in Tennessee. The Titans officially hired the younger Callahan on Wednesday to replace Mike Vrabel.

Bill Callahan performed admirably this season in Cleveland after the team lost both starting tackles to injuries.

“Coach Callahan’s been instrumental for us,” said left guard Joel Bitonio. “He has helped develop a number of us on the line. We’re grateful for it. He is one of the hardest workers. I know he devotes time to us, and he plays an important role in the run game with the schemes and protections.

“However, if your kid calls, you may need to answer the phone. That’s some very unique stuff. So we understand any way, and we hope he’ll be around to support us next year.”

The Browns have hired Tommy Rees, a former Alabama offensive coordinator and Notre Dame quarterback, to coach the tight ends and possibly other positions.

Stefanski has already interviewed Seattle offensive line coach Andy Dickerson, former Buffalo coordinator Ken Dorsey, and Houston Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson for the coordinator position. Johnson is a possibility for numerous positions within the league.