Cleveland Browns hire former player Ray 'Bubba' Ventrone to lead special teams

Indianapolis Colts special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone watches on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars,…

Indianapolis Colts special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone watches on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

by: Chad Krispinsky

Posted: Feb 23, 2023 / 10:29 AM EST

Updated: Feb 24, 2023 / 02:19 PM EST

BEREA, Ohio (WKBN) – The Cleveland Browns have officially hired Ray Ventrone as assistant head coach/special teams coordinator.

The team interviewed Ventrone in Berea on Wednesday.

“We are thrilled to add Bubba to our coaching staff,” head coach Kevin Stefanski said. “He brings a proven track record as both a player and coach in this league. As a player, he built a reputation as a top special teamer during his 10-year career. He used that experience to make a successful transition to the sidelines, where his units have routinely performed at a high level. He has an infectious passion for the game and we are excited to have him leading our special teams unit.”

He just completed his fifth season with the Colts as the team’s special teams coordinator.

Ventrone is a former Browns’ special teams captain from 2011 and 2012, spending a total of four seasons in Cleveland from 2009-2012.

Ventrone has helped Indianapolis reach the playoffs in two of the last four seasons (2018 and 2020).

From 2015-17, Ventrone spent time as an assistant special teams coach with the Patriots.