Cleveland Browns: Ranking 7 head coaching candidates in play

3. Greg Roman

Coaching Experience: Ravens offensive coordinator (2019-present), Bills offensive coordinator (2015-16), 49ers offensive coordinator (2011-14)

The concerns with Greg Roman are quite similar to those with Brian Daboll. In the most blatant terms, it’s entirely possible that Roman is best-suited as a coordinator and position coach — and a top-tier guy in either of those roles. It remains to be seen, however, how he would fare if given the totalitarian reign as a head coach, so to speak.

Where Roman very much separates himself from Daboll is with his track record of success. Roman’s creativity has been on display throughout his NFL career (and college tenures previously, as well) as he’s designed imaginative offenses to help unique talents at quarterback while also working well with other offensive personnel.

Obviously, his work with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens this season is fresh in the minds of everyone. However, he previously made Tyrod Taylor look like a quality NFL quarterback in Buffalo and helped Jim Harbaugh take Colin Kaepernick to the Super Bowl with the 49ers. Roman has been great at identifying the strengths of the players at his disposal and capitalizing on them.

After watching Kitchens throughout the 2019 season, that’s something the Browns could use in a desperate way. While there are concerns about the staff he could build around him and whether or not he possesses the leadership qualities necessary to be a head coach at this level, Roman would almost surely address the offensive needs in Cleveland from the sidelines.