Well that answers that. Former Miami Hurricanes offensive coordinator Mark Whipple, who was a possible candidate for the OC position, has been hired as the QB coach for the Cleveland Browns, per Adam Schefter:
Former Univ. of Miami OC Mark Whipple has agreed to become Browns QB coach. With Whipple and Pat Shurmer, Browns not likely to hire an OC.
Adam Schefter
AdamSchefter
With the Browns having more and more trouble after Shurmer said that he was calling the plays, this move makes some sense. Although it is a bit perplexing to hire a guy whose QB (Jacory Harris, 14 TD, 15 INT) seemingly regressed this season after being touted as a pre-season Heisman candidate.
To be fair, Miami's offense did look good in spurts. They did average 25 points per game. And Whipple has NFL experience as a QB coach for the Steelers and an offensive assistant for the Eagles. He was also very successful in his tenure at UMass as head coach.
All in all, this looks to be a safe move for a team that was scaring off coordinator candidates after Shurmur said he was taking the reins on offense. Here's hoping Whipple will assist in the progression of QB Colt McCoy and provide valuable input as Pat Shurmur looks to revitalize a Browns offense that was 29th in total offense in 2010.