For Browns fans curious about Aden Durde, here are my observations after two years in Seattle:
- Absolute stud. Knows who he is, and always at ease. Dynamic personality. No question he can command a room and lead men.
- Bit of a unicorn. Spent time learning on the personnel side and on the coaching side.
- Players want to play for him. Multiple former Cowboys came to Seattle because he was here. DeMarcus Lawrence told me he would not be here if AD was not here.
- Tireless worker. Even as the DC, he's always getting his hands dirty with positional drills.
- Specializes in pass rush and edge play. Always refining technique and approach.
- Tends to lean more toward rushing four and playing coverage versus sending extra rushers. Not hyper-aggressive.
- Humble learner. Does not think he's got it all figured out. Pushes Macdonald while also learning from him. They are a terrific pair.
- Has had some play calling experience during preseason, but not during the regular season. He and Macdonald do collaborate on approach throughout games, so he has play calling influence.
- Smart. Very little question he will pick up what he needs to know in order to run a full team.
- Biggest question is lack of play calling responsibilities and pedigree. Also, not clear what his offensive philosophy would be or who he would tap.
The #Browns have requested permission to interview #Seahawks DC Aden Durde for their vacant HC job, source said.
The native of England came to the NFL as a #Cowboys coaching intern and has risen quickly.