NFL Rumors: Pat Shurmur Heading East As Cleveland Browns New Head Coach

ESPN's Adam Schefter has reported that the Cleveland Browns are in the process of finalizing a contract for their new head coach to be, Pat Shurmur.

Shurmur has been the offensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams for the past two years and did an excellent job with rookie Sam Bradford this past season.

Shurmur has been an NFL assistant for the past 11 years.

From 1999 to 2008, Shurmur was the quarterbacks coach in Philadelphia under Andy Reid.

The Browns job will be the 45-year-old Michigan native's first head coaching stint in the NFL.

Shurmur's Ram offense took a huge step from 2009 to 2010, boosting his stock and likely making him a hot prospect this hiring season.

Bradford completed over 350 passes this season in Shurmur's offense. He also threw for over 3,500 yards and 18 touchdowns. Running back Steven Jackson rushed for over 1,200 yards as well.

Shurmur, however, will be inheriting a team with several question marks.

The Browns were 5-11 in 2010, prompting the firing of head coach Eric Mangini.

Shurmur will no doubt be expected to bring a different offensive philosophy to Cleveland as well as a much improved on field product.

As with any first time NFL head coach, no one what they are capable of in the future. Shurmur's likely hiring, however, is a much-needed change in direction for the Cleveland Browns franchise.

Patrick Clarke is a student at Towson University and a writing intern for Bleacher Report.