It’s understandable why a crowd would be so dissatisfied with the Cleveland Browns. After starting 1-31, they improved and won a playoff game with Baker Mayfield before faltering and trading for Deshaun Watson, a contentious shift to say the least. Even with Watson on the roster, the fan base has effectively been asked to wait another season, an all-too-common refrain from a team that hasn’t won a title since 1964.
That fury is constantly directed at the team’s head coach, Kevin Stefanski, as some supporters and even the media have suggested his seat should be warmed up, if not outright calling for his dismissal.
What traits would it take to be a competent head coach in the NFL, and how does Stefanski stack up?
The quarterback is by far the most crucial thing for any NFL team’s head coach to get right. Not only must you be able to teach them effectively, but you must also continually demonstrate the ability to emphasize their talents and position them for success. It is the most crucial position in this sport, and possibly any team sport.
Since the Browns’ return in 1999, every coach has been fired for failing to locate or develop a quarterback. The last two Browns coaches to maximize the position were Bill Belichick and Marty Schottenheimer.
Jacoby Brissett is a journeyman. He is now enjoying the finest season of his career, if just slightly. The Browns’ record may not be stellar, but in multiple games, Brissett had the ball with a chance to win. The plays were there to be performed, but they were not done consistently, which does not change the fact that Brissett was put in positions to succeed and win.
Baker Mayfield excelled in 2020. No amount of revisionist history will change that. Stefanski was once again able to set him for success. That year, the quarterback play improved, and games lost this year were won that year, propelling them to the postseason and a playoff triumph.
Putting personal matters aside,Jacoby Brissett is a great quarterback. If you don’t think Mayfield was a competent quarterback, you owe even more praise to Stefanski. Even if you feel Mayfield was a brilliant quarterback, you can appreciate what Stefanski has accomplished with Brissett. Watson is watching these games and must be salivating at the prospect of playing in this offense because he sees how often receivers are schemed open and how frequently he would be placed in positions to flourish.
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