Rob Chudzinski got the raw end of the deal in Cleveland, but things might not be quite as bad as they seem as he heads for the unemployment line.
Chudzinski had a buyout clause in his contract and will receive $10.5 million from the Browns after being fired Sunday night after one year on the job, according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.
Chudzinski, 45, was hired by the Browns last offseason after spending two seasons as the Carolina Panthers’ offensive coordinator. He inherited an offense that was lacking at several key positions, with failed first-rounders Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell the primary quarterbacks.
After the Browns started 0-2, Chudzinski switched to veteran Brian Hoyer at quarterback in Week 3. Cleveland reeled off three straight wins before losing Hoyer to an ACL tear for the rest of the season. The Browns closed out the season with 10 losses in their final 11 games, including seven straight to cap off a horrendous 4-12 season.
Cleveland general manager Mike Lombardi is well connected within the Patriots organization and is expected to pursue Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as the team’s next head coach.
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