Browns head coach Hue Jackson created plenty of waves earlier this week when he suggested that he may take over play-calling duties from OC Todd Haley. And while Jackson quickly walked back those comments, he may have done serious damage to his chances of remaining in Cleveland.
Albert Breer of TheMMQB, who appeared on 92.3 The Fan on Wednesday, said, “I don’t think that [Jackson’s] comments went over all that well in certain corners of the building” (audio link). Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports agrees, going so far as to say that Jackson’s comments “flabbergasted and confounded” his coaching staff and players. Breer noted that team owner Jimmy Haslam and GM John Dorsey are prioritizing the development of No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield, and they are not very receptive to anything that may stunt his growth as a player. Although Cleveland’s offense has not been particularly good overall, Mayfield has shown enough flashes of brilliance to suggest that he can ultimately live up to his draft status.
Breer tweets that nothing has changed in the team’s offensive meetings rooms over the last week, so Haley is still running the show for now. However, Breer concedes that what happens after the team’s divisional contest against Pittsburgh this afternoon is uncertain, and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com writes that change could be coming soon. Rapoport says that several people within the organization have “battled” to improve the working relationship between Jackson and Haley, but to no avail. He adds that if the two men cannot reconcile their differences, the team will likely make a move.
In fact, Rapoport suggests that Haley could be the one getting the ax, because while Jackson has compiled a horrible record while at the helm, he is still in charge, and Haley’s interactions with his boss may amount to insubordination. It would be surprising to see Haley fired before Jackson, but Rapoport indicates that option certainly remains on the table.
Even if both men survive the year, the Browns could go in a different direction at the end of the season. After all, Dorsey did not hire Jackson, and with Mayfield under center and a legitimate GM calling the shots, Cleveland may very well be a desirable destination for some of the top head coaching candidates next offseason, which is a rarity for the franchise.
One way or another, things could be coming to a head. It is just a shame that, even in a year that has seen real signs of improvement, the Browns still cannot seem to get out of their own way.
You need a new head a new hc. They should try to get josh mcdaniels
May as well keep Hue around if all you’re going to do is hire McDaniels.
They made a huge mistake even bringing 1-31 Hue back. Considering they cleared house and brought a new QB and OC in it would’ve been a perfect time to cut bait on Hue. Instead you bring him back and he wins a few games and looks like a hero based more on the increase on his past results instead of results based on the talent they now have. They’re a better team than the results have shown.
Good Job, Polish Hammer Licker!
Thanks tstupid, always means a lot to have you stalking my every post and providing your brilliant commentary.
Like you stalked my post yesterday, sweety pants?? You’re a sensitive Snowflake when the arrows come back at you
Snowflake? I’m not sure they continue to permit you to post your race bating and insensitive comments. Moderators?
LOL!!! Snowflake is race baiting?? ROFL
Didn’t McDaniels say yes to a HC job in the off season then back track and go back to Pats? If he didn’t take that job why would he go to the Browns. Obviously the Pats offered him the position after Belichick retires.
Does Haley ever ever just get along with people and place nice? Everywhere this clown goes drama follows
Exactly! Yet, there is NO mention of that from these commenters above. He had issues in DAL/AZ/KC/PIT, but it’s all Hue’s fault. HUE didn’t pick Haley
Reminds me of the drama the Browns had with Sonny Weaver and Coach Penn.
I remember that. Lots of drama. But when they figure it out! Part 2 I guess will be released.
Man I don’t blame Hue. If I’m gonna get fired, I’m going down on my efforts.
Hue could have been fired last year and it would have been more than justified. He created drama this past week, blaming the offense and Haley for the loss (assuming he has nothing to do with the process). Just more of the same w Jackson.
I was excited to have Haley calling plays this year, but the offense slow starts are an indication that every team is ready for what ever is that you are about to run. His play calling ability isn’t as good as I thought it would be. I would be ok getting rid of both Jackson (immediately) and Haley at the end of the year. Hopefully Williams sticks around, I think he may be on he verge of a top 5 defense for years to come after some of these younger guys gets more experience within the defense and some more depth on the d line is added.
Easy solution: fire both