Shurmur won’t commit to McCoy as starter

Associated Press

BEREA

Browns coach Pat Shurmur may let his new offensive coordinator call plays next season.

And, there’s a solid chance Shurmur will have a different quarterback running them.

Shurmur would not commit to Colt McCoy as his starter in 2012, leaving the team’s plans at the vital position open for speculation as Cleveland heads into an offseason hoping to improve a team that won just four games and was the only AFC North member to miss the playoffs.

Shurmur wrapped up a trying first season as Browns coach with a news conference Tuesday, and the main topic of discussion was the future of McCoy, who started 13 games before sustaining a concussion and missing the last three.

Shurmur said McCoy showed improvement, but declined to name him his starter for next season.

“As we go forward here with Colt, he’s done some really good things,” Shurmur said. “Get him back healthy, get him in an offseason where he has a chance to develop.

“I expect that Colt will improve just like I expect [backup QB] Seneca [Wallace] will improve and whoever the quarterbacks are here. I think that can be said for all positions, so the best quarterback will play when we start the season.”

Pressed on the team’s plans, Shurmur declined to reveal if the Browns will pursue a quarterback in free agency, trade for one or select one in the draft.

McCoy went 4-9 as a starter, but had his year ended by a vicious hit from Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison on Dec. 8, a helmet-to-helmet blow that triggered the NFL to place certified trainers in the press box to help assess injuries.

Browns general manager Tom Heckert and Mike Holmgren may bring more clarity to McCoy’s prospects to remain Cleveland’s starter when they meet with the media Thursday.

As expected, Shurmur plans to hire an offensive coordinator. Unable to find the “right” offensive mind last winter, Shurmur held both roles in 2011 with mixed results. His playcalling, particularly in the red zone, was widely criticized and there were times it appeared he had taken on too much responsibility.