He may still be under contract. He may still be listed on the Cleveland Browns web site as the organization’s wide receivers coach.
But don’t expect to see Wes Chandler tutoring Browns receivers come the start of organized team activities later this Spring.
Sources close to the situation have told the OBR that Chandler does not expect to return to the Browns as the team’s receiver coach in 2009, and expects to be replaced in the coming weeks.
Chandler has been with the Browns for slightly more than two years, following his hiring in January 2007. Prior to his stint with the Browns, Chandler was wide receivers coach for the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys, as well as enjoying an 11-year NFL career where he recorded 559 receptions and 56 touchdowns.
During his coaching career, Chandler has coaxed career years out of problematic players such as Antonio Bryant and Braylon Edwards.
It was briefly believed that the Browns might have found a new WR coach earlier this week when George McDonald was hired after seven years of coaching receivers. McDonald was named offensive quality control coach, however.
Eric Mangini has not finished hiring his coaching staff, and labors under rumors that some potential assistant coaches have rebuffed offers to come to Cleveland. The Browns still lack a coach for their running backs, tight ends, and linebacker in addition to the reported opening for wide receivers coach.
The team has not responded to an email requesting confirmation that Chandler would not return.