Cleveland Browns coaching candidates: 6 Best replacements for Freddie Kitchens
6. Josh McDaniels
Current Position: Patriots offensive coordinator
The merits of Josh McDaniels as an offensive coordinator need no introduction. As great as Tom Brady and Bill Belichick have been, the offense in New England has long been the design of the mastermind McDaniels. He’s terrific in terms of his understanding of personnel, how to put his guys in the best position to succeed and, just as importantly, how to attack any opponent where they’re weakest.
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But McDaniels has some head coaching position and he was quite mediocre with the Denver Broncos, though that may not have always been his fault. More than that, though, it just feels as if he’s not going to leave New England. He spurned the Colts just a couple of years ago to stay with the Patriots and, as attractive as the Browns could be, it seems unlikely that McDaniels is leaving Foxborough, hence his placement on this list.
5. Matt Rhule
Current Position: Baylor Bears head coach
In truth, Matt Rhule — in terms of his fit and nothing else with the Cleveland — would be either No. 1 or 2 as it pertains to who would be the best hire. However, considering that the New York Giants, who are also searching for a new head coach now, have ties to the Baylor head coach and have a high interest level, the Browns seem to be playing from behind in a race for Rhule. Thus, he’s at No. 5.
Make no mistake, though — Rhule could be exactly what’s needed in Cleveland. His arrival at Baylor saw him take over a team that was mired in scandal, violations and much more as they were on a steep downward trend. In just two seasons, he’s changed the culture in Waco and made the Bears a top-10 team in college football. That’s the type of figure the Browns need to finally turn the ship around and have them pointed at success.