tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Who Will Be The Next Browns’ Head Coach?

It has been reported that Head Coach Pat Shurmur and GM Tom Heckert will no longer be with the Cleveland Browns after the game in Pittsburgh today. While I believe that Heckert has done a good job in bringing young talent in, I have never been sold on Pat Shurmur. His reputation as an offensive-minded coach was never exhibited in my mind. Even with the hiring of Brad Childress this year, the Browns offense was anemic especially in the red zone.

The key question is now what?? In looking at the available coaching candidates, I think that the Browns need to look for a head coach who has a reputation for developing quarterbacks. If they don't have that pedigree then he needs to be able to bring someone onto their staff who does. My ideal candidate would be Jon Gruden. It's time that the Browns have a proven winning NFL head coach to lead them. If Gruden is not available, then maybe they should look at his brother, Jay. Just look at the development of Andy Dalton.

Since 1999, the Browns have had 6 head coaches. The next one will make it seven. In the same period of time the Steelers have had two head coaches, the Ravens have had 2 head coaches and the Bengals have had three head coaches. This might explain why the Browns consistently are at the bottom of the AFC North.

When Mike Holmgren was hired as President of the Browns, it was hoped that having a football man in charge would turn things around. While the Holmgren regime brought in some good young players (Haden, Richardson, Ward, Sheard, Taylor, Gordon, etc.), it failed on its selection of Pat Shurmur as head coach and the jury is still out on the drafting of Colt McCoy and Brandon Weeden. The Haslam/Banner regime needs to get both spots right if this storied franchise is going to become relevant again. If the new regime wants to improve the fan experience they need to develop a team that will be competitive and win in the AFC North. New uniforms and stadium improvements won't cut it. Just Win Baby!!