Michael Bearden got a couple of key years on staff at Notre Dame.
Now, Bearden is moving on to the NFL.
Several sources tell FootballScoop that Bearden, Notre Dame’s assistant wide receivers coach each of the past two seasons, is making the leap to an NFL staff.
Bearden is joining the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, per sources, where is reuniting with new Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.
Their time at Notre Dame very briefly overlapped, but Bearden apparently made an impression.
He joined the Fighting Irish staff in early 2023, just before Rees departed South Bend for Tuscaloosa, where Rees ultimately held the distinction as the last offensive coordinator ever in the hall of fame career of Nick Saban.
Bearden remained at Notre Dame even after Rees departed, and he worked first with Chansi Stuckey, the well-regarded former NFL wideout who’s previously been honored as an FootballScoop Minority Rising Star, and then Mike Brown.
Stuckey made clear to FootballScoop on Friday night exactly what Cleveland can expect with its newest offensive staff addition.
“The Browns are getting a great coach and an even better person,” Stuckey exclusively told FootballScoop. “Bearden is one of the sharpest young minds in the game — he’s smart, organized, and always thinking ahead.
“His ability to connect with players and bring fresh ideas to the table will make an immediate impact in Cleveland. Excited to see him take this next step—he’s just getting started.”
Rees, Cleveland’s tight ends coach in 2024, was elevated earlier this month into the role as the Browns offensive coordinator.
Bearden on Friday became the second Notre Dame staffer to depart for the NFL after the Fighting Irish played for the 2024-25 College Football Playoff Championship.