The Real Top 3 HC Candidates for Paul Depodesta, and More on "power struggles" and bullshit

Good news!  The Vikings beat the Saints in New Orleans (unmistakably on Rodney Cousinsfield's arm in overtime).

This win increases the chances that Zimmer will indeed be retained as Head Coach.

As Dan Justik pointed out last week, Stefanski was Zimmer's likliest replacement, should the latter get the axe.

I feel Stefanski may be higher on the Browns' (or at least DePodesta's) list than the great Josh McDaniels--and so might KC OC Bieniemy.

Both these guys adapt their schemes to their quarterbacks and personnel.  Bieniemy had the support and tutelage of Andy Reid, while Stefanski did most of what he did on his own...

McDaniels had Tom Brady all along so...ps and McCarthy had Favre, then Rodgers.....

...

Anyway Bieniemy definitely had something to do with Pat Mahomes's instant and sustained awesomeness, despite the periodic absence of Tyreek Hill and the loss of Kareem Hunt.

His offense just kept keepin on keepin on; always in the top 4.

Stefanski does have a good QB in Cousins, but Kirk's not like Mahomes.  Cousins was so-so in 2018 prior to Stefanski's promotion to OC.

With the return of Dalvin Cook in 2019, Stefanski set up a run-oriented play-action offense that made Kirk Cousins one of the best Quarterbacks in the NFL in every statistical category.

He could obviously do exactly that here, for Baker Mayfield.

Greg Roman is another guy in my top 3 candidates (yeah 3: McDaniels is 4th).

He's a ton more experienced than Stefanski and Bieiniemy, and has coordinated under both Harbaugh brothers.

As we've seen, he did an amazing job of making Colon Kaperdick look a lot better than he actually was in Frisco (*it wasn't his politics that caused his demise, ok?  Hell, CHIP KELLY couldn't do anything with him before the assclown started his bullcrap*)

Of course, Lamar Jackson is a different story.  In year 2, he is way more decisive and accurate, with better touch than Kaperdick (obviously way smarter too).  He's a real quarterback, and Greg Roman must have helped him develop into one.

Roman doesn't care about guidelines or rules.  He found himself with 3 terrific tight ends and found a way to get them on the field (this helped Jackson a lot by the way, as he's neck-deep in extra pass-protectors, run-blockers, and security blankets---all of which overmatch the linebackers and safeties...well I just love Greg Roman!)

All 3 of these guys adapt.  Mike McCarthy has an amazing w/l record, but he seems like Mywayorthehighway Haley to me; doing it "by the book" regardless of the unique traits of his quarterback, or the unconventional makeup of his skill-players.

McCarthy in Baltimore?  In KC?  In Minnesota?

...I suspect that he'd be fine in KC with Mahomes, but bet he would manage to inhibit Lamar Jackson and Kirk Cousins.

Wet Blanket Dan points out that Paul DePodesta's contract with the Browns expires shortly, and does a great job of extrapolationalizing:

Paul could hit the dusty trail if the new Head Coach/GM combo don't want him around.

As I've told you, DePodesta is in demand as a lecturer and consultant throughout the business community and acedemia, and this Browns' stuff is kind of a "hobby" for him.

Dan is correct, except Jimmy Haslam (the "meddler") wants to keep this genius around, and has structured the latest business model to accommodate that without messing up the "football" people.

Like many other otherwise smart people, Dan doesn't quite "get" DePodesta's role here.  Indeed, Dan mentions that DePodesta doesn't live near Cleveland.

That's because (technicalities aside) DePodesta is a business consultant.  He doesn't want to (and isn't paid to) manage daily operations or micromanage personnel decisions.

He is here to say "waitaminnit!"

-These 2 guys have been benched due to injury through half their careers, and this trade will increase the salary cap by 6.5% AND cost us our 17th overall draft pick and an elite SS in year 2 of his 5-year rookie contract.

-this linebacker has superstar potential and is on the second year of his rookie deal why the hell are you trading him for nothing?

-why are you paying this mediocre Right Tackle like he's in the top ten?

-why did you dump these 2 Defensive Ends who are starting for other teams now, aside from the fact that you weren't the guy who drafted them?

-What was wrong with Fells?  Peppers? Nassib? Ogbah? Orchard?

-Do you see that these moves will force us to let some of our best players go in the near future, and that you are spending and pissing away what I gave you like a drunken sailor?

There is no rational reason why any Coach or his GM should have a problem with this business consultant.  (Look up "rational").

...really, I can't fathom why nobody else seems to get this!  Even Dan Justik cites the fact that DePodesta won't gain more "power" as a reason why he might leave!

-sigh- maybe football fans are just wired to think like pack animals or something, or the unreality show culture has brainwashed you into thinking life is more dramatic than it is, but really:

Paul DePodesta is rich and likes to keep busy and is having fun trying to turn the Browns into a dynasty, like he has fun salvaging failing businesses or turbocharging mediocre ones.

HE is rational, and doesn't care about status or power, and (like me) regards all that bullcrap about like you guys regard watching monkeys in the zoo.

To Paul DePodesta, John Dorsey was a super-smart alpha-male monkey.  Paul had no interest in challenging him (on that level).

Most likely (check back a couple posts) DePodesta opposed several Dorsey decisions, but didn't feel intimidated or diminished when he "lost", you see?

He watched Dorsey thump his chest and urinate on trees, and waited for the results (and reality) to sink in.  He knew that Jimmy Haslam would remember what he said.

Is any of this sinking in yet?

And I submit to you that if Dorsey had lost his arguments with DePodesta (unthinkable, of course, no matter what), the Browns would have made the playoffs in 2019...WITH Freddie Kitchens!

No OBJ or Vernon, but with Peppers and Zeitler AND a high first round draft pick!  WITH Genard Avery and Nassib and/or Ogbah DO YOU UNDERSTAND!?!

...who might that first round pick have been?  It was 17th overall.  That player would cost a LOT less than Vernon or Beckham, and be under contract for five years IS ANY OF THIS SINKING IN YET?

DO YOU UNDERSTAND what if Ogbah or Nassib or Avery had been here when Garrett got suspended?  What difference might a 17th overall pick make?  Would Mayfield and the Browns have been better off without OBJ?  Would Zeitler have come in handy?

Upon further review, John Dorsey did more harm than good, and Paul DePodesta (and Berry) did more good than harm.

Dorsey is really smart, but he's still preoccupied with being the top dog first and foremost.

He screwed up repeatedly by dumping a bunch of players he inherited (simply because they weren't his "not real football players?"),  and then with his compulsion to make a big splash and go for all the marbles asap.

It's brains vs emotions.  Why don't any of you comprehend this?

DePodesta simply wants the best results he can get.  Dorsey wants to be a bigshot.

I give up.  

Anyway good for Dorsey: The Browns can trade OBJ for some great stuff, and afford to retain Kareem Hunt and/or Schobert and Damarius Randall...

PS Randall's issues in 2019 diminished his leverage and cost.  Why are people assuming this guy is a gmf?

Again, I give up.  You people suck at math and are impervious to common sense.

I want Stefanski...or McDaniels. Or Roman or Biemieny or Saleh, and that's final for now

I was rooting for Stefanski to become the Browns next Head Coach, then came wet blanket Dan Justik:

Zimmer might get fired if the Saints beat the Vikings, and Stefanski is the likely frontrunner to replace him.  The Browns will also have more competition for him this year.

Jimmy Haslam can offer his choice of GMs and beat any other offers, but that might not be enough.

Josh McDaniels is now the frontrunner for the gig in Vegas, and I'm not sure what to think about that.

McDaniels record as Denver's Head Coach was nothing to write home about, but then he has Quarterback problems.  He traded Jay Cutler for a Kyle Orton and a bunch of other draft picks (*actually a great deal!!*), but didn't have a lot to work with.

You need to take that with a grain of salt anyway, as his master, Lord Insideous, had a so-so record as the Browns Head Coach prior to emerging with the Patriots.

McDaniels got accused of spying on opponents and stuff too.  Being an intelligence analyst, it's hard for me to fathom the outrage even my own peeps express over this stuff, which I would do (and probably not get caught doing).

Why is this a wink and a nudge in baseball and "espionage" in football gimme a break!

Josh McDaniels has a ton of experience, and collected every Patriots Super Bowl Ring.

And while Lord Insideous and Tom Brady no doubt had a heavy influence on those offenses, it was McDaniels who ran and executed them.

I like that he had a lot to do with the Cutler trade (btw see what Cutler did after that haha?)

I like that he resorts to skullduggery to win (like Lord Insideous), and was brought up in a great organization.

Like many Patriots coaches and front office people, Josh McDaniels is from northeast Ohio.

Belichick gave them their starts while he was the Browns' Head Coach.

After Bub showed me some more stuff on Mike McCarthy, I'm back to not wanting him here.  All the "negative" stuff I've found on McDaniels is no big deal.

He benched Brandon Marshall for disciplinary reasons in a playoff game Denver lost.  If that sounds familiar, it should.  McDaniels runs a tight ship, like his master.

What McDaniels has done in 2019 so far is meaningful.  Gronk retired, Edelman has been injured, the blocking has eroded...

The Patriots have been below average on offense, but (right on time) they cranked up that running game and whipped out Jamal White.

To be sure, McDaniels has used every imaginable set and scheme.  2-back 2-3 Tight End West Coast Air Coryall spread...

He was there for Randy Moss, Corey Dillon, and guys named Joe.  Been there.  Done that.

Is he a genius like his master?  I don't know.  But can he adapt an offense to the players he has?  Well if he couldn't, Bill wouldn't have promoted him in the first place, let alone re-hired him as his OC.

So (if not Stefanski) I'm on the McDaniels train right now.

...but then I like Daboll and Bienemy and Saleh too, so whatever you say, Paul!

By the way, Lamar Jackson didn't "rip" the Browns for asking to interview Greg Roman.  He said "you guys need to cool it" til later.

Whoah, talk about locker room material!  I can just see it next time the Browns face the Ravens:  "He said 'you need to cool it'!"  I can already see the foreheads bashing in lockers and stuff!!!

Seriously, what a joke.  I am confiscating the word "rip".  It will be returned to you when you can use it responsibly.

Bienemy (Chiefs' OC) is interesting, especially considering how Andy Reid proteges have succeeded in the NFL (a much higher success rate than the Belichick tree).

Oops sorry that's "analytical" can you forgive me?

Andrew Berry would be great to get back here. Berry was with the Browns from 2016 through 2018.

In Berry's first draft, the Browns drafted a bunch of (per Dorsey) "not real football players" including Ogbah, Nassib, Schobert, DeValve, and Kindred.  (Fortunately, Dorsey got rid of most of these guys).

(in fairness, Berry's guys also drafted Cody Kessler and Corey Coleman).

In 2017 it was Garrett, Peppers, Kizer, Ogunjobi, and then misses (sorta: most are still in the NFL---Dorsey cut some good players while marking his territory, see?)

Yeah, I got stuff to say about Pat Mahomes and DeShaun Watson my own self (not to mention Mitchell Schwartze); mistakes were made, but Berry (or DePodesta) wasn't calling the final shots here.

(*Hue Jackson had the right to pick his quarterback written into his contract, and note to Mary Kay: "You'll have to trust me on this one" meant exactly that*).

Now that Dorsey is gone and DePodesta has more control, I GUARANTEE you that turning OBJ into a stud Offensive Tackle or a first-round pick (and then some) tops the list of "things to do".

(It's not personal.  OBJ will be lethal again when healthy and would help the Browns out a lot in 2020.

...Just not as much as a couple cheaper offensive linemen and a re-signed Joe Schobert and Kareem Hunt.

And stop insulting OBJ and Landry.  They aren't little kids.  Landry will freak if OBJ is traded!?!

And furthermore okbye

DePodesta vs Dorsey: What Almost Certainly Happened, and Why DePodesta Won

Chief S T R A T E G Y Officer Paul Dodesta's job was to maximize the draft and salary cap to make the Cleveland Browns a perennial contender.

Business analytics is a real course with BS and Masters Degrees, do you get that?

He was never here to take over for any of the real scouts.  The extent of his input there was (ok perfect segue) for example:

When John Dorsey told Jimmy Haslam he wanted to trade for OBJ, DePodesta no doubt said into his other ear:

1: OBJ had missed literally half the games he was eligable to play in due to injuries.

2: Baker Mayfield is not the type of Quarterback who needs a "go-to" guy; he instinctively "distributes" the ball.

3: The combination of his salary and the high first round pick it would cost the Browns would set the program back, as the team would begin losing veteran free agents starting in 2020, and have no inexpensive young first round pick to replace them.

4: Odds were good that OBJ would be injured again in 2019.

But John Dorsey got his way.  And Paul DePodesta was right, and Jimmy Haslam remembers.

Then came the Olivier Vernon for Kevin Zeitler trade, and what DePodesta without a doubt had to say about that:

1: 90% of Vernon's passrush success came from the weak side, which is Garrett's, and Vernon was statistically less efficient from the strong side.

2:  Vernon, too, had missed half his games due to chronic ankle injuries.

DePodesta was right.  Haslam remembers.

Then came the actual trade, and there go Zeitler and Jabrill Peppers.

DePodesta no doubt repeated all of the above into Jimmy's other ear, and added:

1: The net cap-hit combined with the loss of Peppers (with time left on his rookie contract) and a high first round pick would do more harm than good long-term and short-term.

DePodesta was right.  Haslam remembers.

DePodesta may not have had much to say pro or con in re Austin Corbett (who was generally considered worthy of being drafted where he was).

But then Dorsey traded his own draft pick, disruptive passrushing linebacker Genard Avery, for a bag of donuts a few weeks before helmet-gate.

Avery is a freak.  He penetrates and blows up runs as well as passes.  He was the biggest, strongest, quickest, and fastest of all the linebackers on the roster; a James Harrision (except faster).

I guarantee you that DePodesta raised hell over that one, and said:

1: Vernon will miss time, and his run defense is critical.

Now that Dorsey has dumped Ogbah and Nassib (*"not real football players"*), this team will lack edge-depth.

2: This player is worth a LOT more than a bag of donuts !:+$!?#WTF!?!

Haslam remembers.  He can see how Nassib and Ogbah are doing.  He saw what happened to both the passrush and run defense.  He will monitor Avery.

DePodesta was right.  Haslam remembers.

Hubbard:  Dorsey wanted to pay him elite money.  DePodesta no doubt said "that's way too much money for a mediocre player without upside!"

DePodesta was right.  Haslam remembers.

Paul DePodesta has been right every time he's disagreed with John Dorsey, and Haslam remembers, ok?

How do I know this? READ MY BLOG! I told you all this stuff, and DePodesta makes me look like an amoeba.

Now, DePodesta is running the search for the next Head Coach.

This is very "clean" and efficient:  the candidates will understand that DePodesta won't be their boss, and the Front Office is open to people they may want to bring in.

No disrespect intended to an outstanding GM here, but if I'm an Alpha male "Type A" guy, I'd prefer to avoid staredowns and pissing contests in my interviews.

I haven't drilled down into why DePodesta wanted the 2 other assistant coaches more than Kitchens in 2019, but know that Stefanski and McDermott got more "Haslam heard, and remembers".

I don't expect DePodesta to screw around interviewing 13 or more guys here (and losing most of them to other teams or middle fingers).

Indeed, his main targets are almost certainly his earliest interviews.

He can't officially hire any coach from a playoff team until that team is eliminated.  Ditto college coaches.

But DePodesta won't screw around.  And he almost certainly has his list (and has checked it twice), and might already have an unofficial deal in place.

Pat Kirwan says that Front Offices exploit Head Coach searches to get input from every candidate:

"What would you do with this roster?  What is wrong here? How would you fix this?"

The candidates have no choice but to answer these questions honestly (even though they know they might not have a chance, but are being "milked"), see?

And then of course the interviewers get a better bead on the coaches they don't hire...

It stinks, really, but every team does it.  For the Browns, it's why Kitchens was fired immediately, and Dorsey soon after.  DePodesta wants to interrogate interview as many candidates as he can in the window he has.

The only high profile guy he's risking right now is Mike McCarthy.  But Paul wasn't hot for him in 2019 so...

Anyway I hope some of this sinks in:

Paul DePodesta "swept" John Dorsey, and that's why he is here and Dorsey aint.

Bill Polian can't handle it, but rational people will.

Dorsey too? Why not? What the Hell? We're all gonna Die!!!

I would not have fired John Dorsey, who did a terrific job of enhancing the talent on this roster in just 2 offseasons.

While literally everybody on NFL Radio is bashing this move, and it's ticked me off too, I believe I understand some of the reasons for it:

1: Hiring Freddie Kitchens was Dorsey's call.  I now believe it's true that DePodesta wanted Stefanski or a third candidate.  Haslam let Dorsey have his guy, but noted and filed it.

2: Dorsey is a big "Type A" guy, but so are the strongest Head Coach candidates.
2a: Almost all strongest Head Coach candidates will want to hire their own GM.
2b: Preliminary interviews with candidates no doubt included the Dorsey question early, and Haslam probably already asked Andy Reid.

Dorsey's presence here was probably considered an obstacle to landing any of the big fish: His replacement for most of them would be a priority condition.

3: Get this straight: Paul DePodesta is NOT a strong "Type A" personality, and there was never a "power struggle" here.  If anybody would ever actually listen to the actual words which come out of DePodesta's actual mouth, you would accept that DePodesta never considered himself a match for Dorsey (or others) as a talent evauator; hence never sought to displace him.

However, there were many possible conflicts which may have happened between DePodesta and Dorsey: 

The extention of Greg Robinson might have been one. The size and nature of Hubbard's contract was probably another.

And for all we know, DePodesta (like ME), was almost certainly not in favor of trading assets for OBJ.

(Olivier Vernon is a separate issue.  I didn't oppose it at the time, but didn't realize, as DePodesta surely did, that Vernon's ankle injuries were chronic).

Zeitler, Peppers, and a first round pick...

Then there was Corbett atop the second round.  And (trust me) Paul Dodesta did NOT want to trade Genard Avery for a bag of fkng Doritos wtf was that!?!

Then there are all those players Dorsey inherited from Berry and DePodesta who weren't "real football players":

Jabrill Peppers, Zeitler, Schobert, Tretter, Njoku, Ogunjobi, Garrett, and other lower profile guys who are ascending on other teams, or about to get released from this one.

John Dorsey did some great stuff here, but was far from perfect, and if we have an open mind, and try to figure out why a rational owner in this political environment would let Dorsey go (as well as Kitchens)...

Bill Polian hates analytics and the Browns, and can be relied on to paint the Browns' coaching gig black.

But Buzzkill Bill called the roster "extremely overrated", which is utter propaganda.

Bill thought Baker Mayfield was too short, and graded at least 3 Quarterbacks in his draft class ahead of him.  Based on 2019, he can temporarily declare Mayfield overrated, but what about Chubb, Hunt, Landry, OBJ, Garrett, Bitonio, Tretter, Ward, Williams, Ojunjobi, Schobert, Randall, the kicker and punter? Is Damian Ratley overrated by the way?  I guess you could call Njoku overrated, but...

No Polian did what he did and is a brain, but it's pure idiocy to call the Browns' Pro-Bowl-laden roster "extremely overrated", even if you think Mayfield 2.0 is the final version.

However, the Browns' gig is unattractive because all the coaches have been fired in 1-2 years.

This is fixable: Coach salaries are not subject to the salary cap, and Jimmy Haslam can guarantee massive compensation for several seasons.

Haslam could still fire him, but what a golden parachute!!!

...And all these are Type A guys.  They all expect to succeed, if allowed to find their own assistants, build their own program, control of their roster, and a strong voice in the draft and free agency *DING-DING-DING* can you say "no Dorsey"?

Is any of this sinking in yet?

I'm not just talking about McCarthy or McDaniels, but Daboll, Roman, etc.  These guys all have long histories, lots of contacts, and (excuse me) are not prepared to deal with a John Dorsey.

I'm not bashing Dorsey here: He's great at what he does.  But he has to be in charge, ok?  None of these guys wants to deal with Lord Dorsey.

As for the analytics-bashing going on by Polian,  Kirwan, etc., Dorsey himself cited analytical stats routinely in reference to his players, Lord Insidious was an analytical pioneer (although he professes otherwise), and every scout compiles or forwards detailed situational stats on each and every player.

I get that you guys are all flopping around having temper-tantrums now, but but we need to move on:

Now that John Dorsey is gone (ps he himself stipulated that he understood the Browns' need for a "strong leader" at Head Coach as part of his good-bye statement DO YOU U N D E R S T A N D ?) , 

Do you understand that all the top candidates for the Browns' Head Coaching position will get to choose much of their front office?

...Kirwan, Polian, NFL Radio notwithstanding, I GET Dorsey's termination, and so should you.

...and if Paul DePodesta has a stronger voice, it is because he has EARNED it: 

Jimmy Haslam isn't an idiot.  

I disagree with nearly everything he has done recently, but know I don't have all the info he does...

You people need to quit your kniption-fits and listen to me!  

The Browns are in the running for EVERY top Head Coach candidate now (if they don't screw around interviewing13 or so guys again dammit)...

This matters a lot.

Every HC candidate is acutely aware of his previous interviews with the Browns, as well as his own resume.

If Jimmy Halslam screws around, he will lose his top candidates.  You can't put a McDaniels or McCarthy "on hold" like that while you interview other guys you hope are better than them.

It's insulting and offensive.

...but I think Haslam has learned this now.  I hate to cite it, but he jumped all over the great Hue Jackson in his last search early.

That was a "miss", but at that time Hue Jackson was THE hottest Head Coach prospect in the NFL.

I'm just saying, while you're piling on Jimmy Haslam, expecting him to be indecisive now and let his "guy" get away is idiotic.

...and by the way, Paul DePodesta is now clearly the loudest voice in Haslam's ear (ooo Kirwan and Polian HATE that, for irrational reasons) haha!

DePodesta will probably name the new Head Coach.

Works for me.

LET'S FIRE EVERYBODY AGAIN!!! Or at Least Freddie!!! ALL HIS FAULT right?

Ok quit spazzing out here!  Obviously losing to the Bengals after a massively disappointing season sucked, but wtf the Browns need linebackers, tight ends, and safeties now?

No doubt defensive linemen, kickers, punters, long-snappers and wide receivers are one click away!

Crap even before this game rumors were floating around about firing John Dorsey!

Fire the custodian and landscapers and limo guys too why the fk not GET A GRIP!!!

Freddie Kitchens didn't order Baker Mayfield to throw interceptions, or Greg Robinson to get caught holding/let people by him, or defenders to miss tackles, and there was nothing wrong with his playcalling either.

Oh, you can pick-pick-pick at playcalling: You can't run on every single 1st down.  You HAVE TO pass sometimes, as any NFL defense will stuff you if you're that PREDICTABLE.

And 2nd and 10 or 12 is what it is, Virginia!  You kinda HAVE TO PASS DO YOU UNDERSTAND!?!

Pick-pick-pick 20/20 hind-sight armchair bullshit...

Kitchens had nothing to do with Garrett's suspension, Vernon's chronic injuries, Zeitler/the weak offensive line, OBJ's injury, the decimation of the secondary, or...

It looks like he'll get fired now to appease YOU people with your pitchforks and torches, but I just want to point out that you are all a bunch of sheep.

You don't understand football, and don't comprehend the words you are mindlessly regurgitating.  No offense.

Ahead of this game, Nick Dudukovich wondered if Paul DePodesta might be making a "power play" within the organization.

Nick is really smart, but is overreaching here, as all my readers get:

1: DePodesta is rich, and is doing what he does here as a hobby. He doesn't care about power, or drama.

2: DePodesta might indeed want to be listened to more, but as-is he is not under Dorsey, and has Jimmy Halsam's ear.

3: Paul DePodesta is the Chief STRATEGY Officer, not a talent scout.

While his analytics help Dorsey narrow down players and decide what to pay them, John Dorsey is the personnel boss, period.

DePodesta is a "geek":  He will seek to maximize the salary cap, draft picks, and payroll for long-term, sustained, success.

Nick Dudukovich is probably a big "Game of Thrones" fan.  

Paul DePodesta doesn't care about power (or fame, or money, or even credit).

Nick went further in another article, asserting that Dorsey can't trade OBJ now because his bro Jarvis Landry would go nuts.

Nah, Nick: Professional athletes are spoiled brats more than we are, but they're not tantrum-prone kindergarteners either.

Jarvis Landry is (trust me) insulted by your article, if he's read it.

If John Dorsey can get a good deal for OBJ, he will make that trade, and Jarvis Landry will accept it, because he is an ADULT.

Moreover, Paul DePodesta is pushing for this trade, as it would free up cap money and add more draft picks for sustained, long-term success.

Nick Dudukovich: You have great potential, but have a lot to learn.

It might be generational.  I didn't grow up watching unreality shows.  The drama was all in the Soap Operas, and we knew it was bullshit.

In the real world, people tend to cooperate and get along a lot more than they try to screw eachother and stab eachother in the back...

And YES, Nick: Loyalty, Honor, Freindship, and stuff like that are REAL, and common.

John Dorsey and Paul DePodesta get along fine, and have very different roles in the organization.  Nick...you're off the rails here.  You're not ME yet.

Get away from DRAMA until you have a better bead on politics and interpersonal stuff.

Nick, I know all about real politics and power-struggles, and have the scars to prove it.  Don't take the shows you watch so seriously--in the real world, DePodesta and Dorsey get along fine, and OBJ and Landry are adults.

What Dorsey (and DePodesta) Should Do in the Off-season and stuff

I just want to continue suggesting what DePodesta and Dorsey should (and should not) do this offseason (aside from NOT firing Freddie Kitchens):

I started with re-signing Kareem Hunt long-term (*except you might not if you fire Freddie, because his replacement probably isn't as adaptable as Freddie and would keep Hunt on the bench half the time).

Then I suggested trading OBJ (not because I dislike him or he sucks, but because forcing balls to him is partly why Mayfield has regressed, and because he has great value and represents a heavy cap hit--just business).

Ok now Josh Edwards?  You want Dorsey to trade for an overpriced malcontent 34 year-old injured left tackle who will demand a huge salary?

That would obviously be idiotic, but then Josh's top suggestion was to fire Freddie, so...

The Browns do need to address their offensive line, mainly through the draft.

Dorsey overpaid Hubbard, but in fairness has done okay with lower-tier free agents.  Austin Corbett was a huge swing-and-miss, but reclaiming Robinson off the scrap-heap was pretty good...

Yeah Zeitler...

Campen is on-board now, and any sentient GM listens to his O-line coach's input (*did Freddie-basher Bob Wiley like Corbett?*).

I assume that the Browns will beat the Bengals and draft 14th or so.  They have the Texans' third round pick too, and I do hope they get another first rounder (and more) for OBJ.

Combined with other extra chump-change picks that DePodesta Dorsey has stockpiled, he (assuming an OBJ trade) should have ammo to move around in the draft.

Really good Offensive Tackles (and exceptional guards can be found in the middle of the first round (and for that matter in the second and third rounds as well).

You never get a Joe Thomas below the top 10; that's not happening, Virginia.  But you can find instastarters at Right Tackle or guard, including future starting Left Tackles in what looks to be the 2020 Browns' draft wheelhouse.

A top 10 pass-blocking Left Tackle in 2020 won't happen, but that's not nearly as critical in the modern NFL as it used to be--especially with Coaches like Kitchens who run, get the ball out of the QBs hands, chip with extra backs and tight ends, roll right, and RPO...(sigh...pearls before swine)

Anyway Dorsey can hopefully "hit" on 2 or 3 "ready for primetime" offensive linemen in the top 4 rounds for a net upgrade.

Josh Edwards tossed in the Defensive line as another big need in 2020, but that's wrong too.  While some of us are wondering if Olivier Vernon will ever be healthy again, Chad Thomas is looking good, Myles Garrett will be back, and DT is covered; at least at the starting level.

Josh also thinks the Browns need tight ends.

I'm not sure why Njoku is in Freddie's doghouse (especially since Freddie doesn't hold anybody accountable and stuff), but...what!?!

True, the Njoku thing is an issue, but he's an elite talent (who is a decent blocker now) under contract for 2 more years Josh I want some of whatever you're taking good grief!

Damarius Randall was awesome in 2018 and so-so (and hurt a lot) in 2019.

Not knowing what went on behind the scenes (there were disciplinary issues), Randall's "stock" is depressed, and Dorsey might be able to nail him down cheap long-term (if that's wise).

I've already said that Joe Schobert (kinda like Kareem Hunt) should be affordable and more than earn his money--

A note on this: Some idiot bashed Schobert for missing a tackle on Kyler Murray in space.

'nuff said?

Another guy called him a "great backup" because he's so slow.

Linebackers and safeties are different.  Kuechley is the exception, not the rule, ok?

Most of what I think Dorsey should do is contingent on Freddie's retention (and Wilks sticking around too).

I do have to allow for the Haslams caving in to the ropes and torches and identify Ron Rivera as my personal favorite to be the new Head Coach.

Rivera would retain his protege Steve Wilks (check one box) but would bring in a new OC (Kitchens is unlikely to accept a demotion), but the OC could be Zampeze for all we know!

Anyway my updated w/l prediction is 7-9 (update sunday night).

Okbye.

It's NOT FREDDIE's FAULT! T H I N K. PLEASE!!! RETAIN KITCHENS YOU IDIOTS

Obviously John Dorsey and the Haslams should not fire Freddie Kitchens.  I'm trying not to repeat myself yet again, but can't help pointing out a few things in response to recent broad-brush pile-ons:

Incredibly, Kitchens is now being bashed for "not knowing how to use Chubb and Hunt".

This is bizzarre!  What are you idiots looking at!?!

You want Hunt lead-blocking more--or Chubb lead-blocking for him more?  Exactly how many more passes should Mayfield throw to Hunt instead of anybody else?

And which Offensive Coordinator in the NFL would have made more of Kareem Hunt than Freddie has?

Freddie-bashers are bashing him for not being able to do exactly what he has been doing STOPITSTOPITSTOPIT...

Anyway, Kareem Hunt wants to stick around as a Cleveland Brown, where he grew up.  While we're all greedy, and NFL agents and NFLPA reps manipulate their clients to gouge for the last penny, Hunt sounds both sincere and intelligent to me.

To be sure, he owns a Brinks truck, and will cost somebody a small fortune this offseason.  But Hunt isn't Ebineezer Bell, his off-the-field stuff has tarnished him, and my interpretation of his spontaneous statements make me think that

1: Hunt is genuinely willing to share the spotlight with his bff Nick Chubb.

I said "share" for a reason:  Until/unless Nick Chubb gets hurt, he is the bellcow here.  But (at least under Freddie Kitchens), Kareem Hunt is the starting swiss army knife.

Rodney Kitchensfield has actually expanded the role Andy Reed gave Hunt (*no knock on Reed; Andy had no Chubb, and Hunt was a Dorsey-pick out of Toledo, and Andy was loaded with skill-players, but was awesome in how rapidly he mutated Hunt from a stud workhorse who could catch into an actual wide receiver and stuff*)

Rodney Kitchensfield had Nick Chubb as his "hammer", and the LSU twins at WR etc., so he ran a "pony" (2-back) offense the instant Hunt came off his suspension.

We all think that every running back wants to be the bellcow, but that's just the Highschool players clawing for scholarships, and (for some of us) "old school".

Today, these guys aim higher, and want to last longer:

Sadly, Ebineezer Bell is THE case in point:  He wanted to get paid like an elite WR because he was a terrific receiver.

Happily, he lost his fight with the Steelers (who offered him top RB money) and found out that your Offensive Line, Quarterback, and other skill guys matter) but I digress:

Anyway, Hunt is like Bell (except bigger, stonger, and faster).

Hunt likes running routes (vs safeties and linebackers) and catching passes.  He likes being a "weapon".  

Kareem Hunt knows that if Freddie Kitchens is retained, he can have a longer, healthier, and more prolific career in Cleveland than he could anywhere else.

...is any of this sinking in yet?

(Sigh) anyway Depodesta Dorsey couldn't avoid paying Hunt top 5 RUNNING BACK money, but trading OBJ would help that out a lot.

Too bad the Browns can't get draft picks for Monken, but letting somebody else hire him away might help almost as much as turning OBJ into Offensive Tackles and/or draft picks.

John Dorsey:

1: Don't fire Kitchens.

2: Let Monken go, and let Freddie choose his replacement as Offensive Coordinator.

3: Trade OBJ (assuming you get an offer you can't refuse which you will).

4: Prioritize Offensive Tackle in free agency and the draft.

5: Retain Hunt...

You get this, right, John?  Because he's a "running back", he's a CHEAP lethal weapon well...if you have a Coach who will exploit him HINT HINT.

6: Retain Schobert.  He's "hot", but he's still "just" an inside linebacker and an extra 700k or so won't matter.

7: Get your head out of your ass: Did Genard Avery just personally offend you or something?  I can't believe that Steve Wilks would have asked you to dump this guy...

8: Consider trade offers for EVERYBODY under contract (no offense I know you do that anyway).

9: Do NOT squander cap space and draft picks like you did in 2019 to make a big move.

Back off a little.

The Ravens aren't going away any time soon.

The Steelers and Bengals aren't the same, but:

John, you need to listen to Paul DePodesta here:

1: The Ravens are likey to reach the Superbowl, and have a great chance to win it.

2: Assuming this, the Ravens will lose the majority of their players with expiring contracts.

3: Paul Depodesta Dorsey has a window here, if he can keep it in his pants.  Maybe in 2020, but more likely in 2021...

If the Browns DON'T do what everybody else except ME think they should.

Save this post:  DON'T FIRE FREDDIE.  I HAVE SPOKEN.