High School Coach Jumps to NFL, Joins Browns Coaching Staff

John Carr leaves Starkville High School to become Chief of Staff for the Cleveland Browns

Feb. 5, 2026 at 11:47pm

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John Carr, a successful high school football coach in Starkville, Mississippi, has made the rare jump from the prep level to the NFL, joining the Cleveland Browns as their Chief of Staff under head coach Todd Monken. Carr, who previously worked with Monken at Southern Mississippi, brings extensive coaching experience at both the high school and college levels to his new role with the Browns.

Why it matters

Carr's hiring by the Browns highlights the growing recognition of diverse coaching backgrounds in the NFL, where leadership and operational skills are prized. His transition from the high school ranks to a strategic role with a professional team is an uncommon occurrence, reflecting the Browns' confidence in Carr's abilities and experience.

The details

Carr confirmed his new position with the Browns on Thursday, sharing that it was a "childhood dream" to reach the pinnacle of football at the NFL level. Prior to Starkville, Carr had a successful eight-year stint as the head coach at Ouachita Parish High School in Louisiana, compiling a 72-28 record. He also held coaching positions at several colleges, including Southern Mississippi, where he worked alongside Browns head coach Todd Monken.

  • Carr accepted the Chief of Staff position with the Browns on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
  • Carr led Starkville High School during the 2023 season, guiding the team to a 6-5 record and a first-round playoff appearance.

The players

John Carr

A veteran football coach who has made the rare jump from the high school ranks to the NFL, joining the Cleveland Browns as their Chief of Staff.

Todd Monken

The head coach of the Cleveland Browns, who previously worked with Carr at Southern Mississippi and brought him onto the Browns' coaching staff.

Jay Hopson

The Athletic Director at Starkville High School, who now faces the challenge of finding a new head coach to replace Carr.

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What they’re saying

“It's just a childhood dream. Dreams and goals don't stop when you're 18 or 19 years old. You are going to go through life, trying to achieve goals in our profession in football. It's trying to rise to the pinnacle of football, and that's the National Football League.”

— John Carr, Browns Chief of Staff

What’s next

Starkville High School will now begin the search for a new head football coach to replace John Carr, who has departed for the NFL's Cleveland Browns.

The takeaway

John Carr's hiring by the Cleveland Browns as their Chief of Staff represents a rare and significant transition from the high school coaching ranks to the professional level, highlighting the growing recognition of diverse coaching backgrounds in the NFL and the fluidity of talent pathways in the sport of football.