BY JACK STERN
For those who’ve followed the Cleveland Browns at all over the past two decades, they know about the struggles the organization has had. Between ugly regime collapses, a revolving door of coaches and GM’s, ineptitude at all levels of management, to going 1-31 over a two years stretch, and fielding more quarterbacks than a family worth of fingers can count, it’s been a rough stretch for the football team in Northern Ohio.
But sitting at 5-7-1 and finally winning some football, it appears there’s finally light at the end of the tunnel. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has awoken the sleeping giant that is Browns Nation, and ignited enough excitement in the fan base to fill seats at a previously dead First Energy Stadium. Mayfield looks the part of a first overall pick on and off the field, and has done everything in his power to flush the bad memories away.
GM John Dorsey opted to change the franchise’s image and culture by firing disgruntled, struggling, head coach Hue Jackson and sending offensive coordinator Todd Haley on his way with him. The two were in a power struggle over play calling duties which had a toxic carryover effect in the locker room.
After cleaning house the Browns have looked like the team everyone knew and thought they could be following Dorsey’s offseason overhaul. The new management and interim coaching staff has been a breath of fresh air as Cleveland is 3-2 after the change. With an opening at head coach, there’s been much speculation regarding who the team will hire. Some think it’ll be Baker Mayfield’s college head coach Lincoln Riley while others feel recently fired Packers head coach Mike McCarthy is the fit. Retired coach and current CBS analyst Bruce Arians has also publicly shown interest in the job stating it’s the only position he’d come out of retirement for. Based on recent performance, interim HC Gregg Williams may get a look as well.
Regardless of who they ultimately choose, the opening should be on the top of anyone who’s looking for a head coaching gig’s list. It’s easily the more desirable opening based on potential and the weapons already on the roster. Unlike the team with a head coaching vacancy that plays at Lambeau Field, Cleveland has the perennial blue chip starters all over the field on both sides of the ball.
The teams past two first round picks on defense – Denzel Ward and Myles Garrett are studs at their respective levels. Garrett ranks third in the NFL in sacks, while Ward has three interceptions and 11 pass breakups in what’s been a excellent rookie campaign. Safety Damarious Randall has revamped his career at back his natural free safety position, while linebacker Genard Avery and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi are young building blocks. All five guys aside from Randall are under contract for at least the next two seasons.
On offense, rookie running back Nick Chubb has thrived since Freddie Kitchens took over play calling duties, and has all the makings of a feature back. Jarvis Landry is a solid possession receiver and target for the young quarterback. And while inconsistent, Antonio Callaway should take a step forward in his second year in the league. The point is: Cleveland is loaded with talent that’s just waiting for someone to unlock their potential.
Despite having a Bad News Bears type reputation, the past is now irrelevant for the Browns franchise. Looking at the situation realistically this is one of the most exciting young rosters in football, which is uncommon for teams with a head coaching opening. All the cards are on the table for this team to compete for championships at a high level, now it’s just about finding the right man for the job.
