Cleveland Browns: Ranking 7 head coaching candidates in play

CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 14: Wide receiver Odell Beckham #13 of the Cleveland Browns and quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 stand during the national anthem before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 14, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

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5. Robert Saleh

Coaching Experience: 49ers defensive coordinator (2017-present), Jaguars LBs coach (2014-16), Seahawks defensive quality control coach (2011-13)

Much in the same vein as Daboll in terms of being difficult to evaluate as a potential head coach, there’s a lot that you could talk yourself into with Robert Saleh. The 49ers defensive coordinator has gotten some great experience as a young defensive mind in this league, having learned from Dan Quinn and Gus Bradley before helping turn around and lead San Francisco’s defense to a No. 1 seed in the NFC this season.

Saleh could do wonders on the defensive side of the ball for the Browns. He could unleash players like Garrett, Vernon and Larry Ogunjobi that have already proven themselves while helping to tap into the potential of young, highly skilled players such as Greedy Williams, Denzel Ward and even someone like Mack Wilson.

If that weren’t enough, Saleh seems to sport the personality and demeanor to be a culture-setter for an NFL locker room. All signs point to him having a fiery and infectious personality on the sidelines that professional athletes both buy into and, frankly, love to play for. Again, that would be good for the Browns.

Having said that, Saleh’s relative lack of experience draws questions about his ability to hire a high-quality staff around him. And much luck Schwartz, his defense-oriented stylings that his background breeds leave questions about the Browns offense, which is seemingly the primary concern. Subsequently, the time is likely not right to give Saleh the gig at this point.

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