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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(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

4. Josh McDaniels

Coaching Experience: Patriots offensive coordinator (2005-08; 2012-present), Rams offensive coordinator (2011), Broncos head coach (2009-10)

This is going to be an unpopular spot to have Josh McDaniels. I understand that completely. And I also understand all that he brings to the table as an accomplished and prolific offensive mind in the NFL, even at just 43 years old. His combination of youth and experience is essentially unparalleled at this point.

With 16 years of experience already, McDaniels has enjoyed immense success, mostly with the Patriots. In whole — not just as an offensive coordinator — McDaniels has enjoyed six Super Bowl runs with New England while also learning from perhaps the greatest head coach in NFL history, Bill Belichick.

Moreover, McDaniels isn’t just riding coattails in terms of those accomplishments. The 2019 season aside, he’s maintained the offensive success in New England while being force to adapt to many different variations of talent structure and personnel around Tom Brady. That speaks to his prowess and creativity as an offensive mind.

All of that can be true and I’ll still be skeptical of McDaniels. Not only is there the debacle with the Colts from 2018 where he essentially went back on his word about taking the job but he was also quite lackluster in his two-year head-coaching stint in Denver. And while he’s had plenty of time to learn, there is more risk with McDaniels than some would like to admit, even if there is also just as much upside.

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