Dawgs By Nature
Every time an NFL team fires its head coach, it’s like getting out of a relationship with your significant other. People have reasons for leaving their partner, just like NFL teams parting ways with their head coach. When it comes to finding a new partner, it’s the same thing as finding a new head coach. After firing head coach Kevin Stefanski, the Cleveland Browns are searching for their new coach, just like someone who is looking to get back to dating after a breakup. Similar to dating, you have to put yourself out there: Self-promotion.
Unfortunately, there is no (insert current popular dating app) for NFL teams wanting a head coach, and teams have enough self-awareness to not promote themselves on social media asking, “Who wants to coach a professional team?”
Unlike dating, you have to find a head coach quickly, as vacancies will fill up fast. So far, the Browns have requested interviews with six outside candidates while interviewing two internal candidates. Former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was let go by the Ravens and is expected to be a hot name on an average coaching market. Currently, there are eight open head coaching vacancies (with more potentially opening soon), and so far, Harbaugh hasn’t set any dates for interviews until next week.
However, Cleveland is expected to have interest in Harbaugh, and they are doing their research on the former Ravens head coach:
The odds of Harbaugh taking this job feel more like a long shot than a legit possibility. Of course, the Browns will have their opportunity to interview Harbaugh, but it feels more like Cleveland is going to have to do a ton of convincing to get Harbaugh to take this job. Like dating, how attractive someone is can be a focal point for someone. Apply this logic to the Browns case. On a scale of 1-10, the Browns are either a 3 or 4. Maybe a 5 on a good day.
The biggest problem preventing the Browns from being a top spot for coaches is the state of the offense. Sure, the team has an elite defense with soon-to-be Defensive Player of the Year defensive end Myles Garrett and enough draft capital, but the team doesn’t have a legitimate answer at quarterback, and they aren’t necessarily in a position to pick one in this upcoming draft, unless they trade up.
It’s all about finding the right person who fits the team. Harbaugh doesn’t fit the timeline for this team. This shouldn’t be considered a slight. If Harbaugh wants this job, but he wants full control in terms of roster decisions and bringing along his general manager (as it’s being reported by sources), Cleveland should look elsewhere. Harbaugh coaching the Browns seems nice, but in reality, it’s more of a dream than anything.
