Running Browns rise tall in November. Kyle Shanahan plainly believes that other teams are seeking for coaches with superior offenses than the Browns.
Cleveland, Ohio — Kyle Shanahan was not fired by the Browns.
The real question is why he wanted to leave after one year as the Browns’ offensive coordinator.
There are several theories, the majority of which are based on Shanahan’s conflicts with the front office.
No doubt he did. Most coordinators do at some point. They are accountable to both the general manager and the head coach. They frequently seek suggestions when putting out a roster.
That makes logical, given that their duty is to prepare the players on the field. However, their opinions are usually not taken as seriously as those of the head coach and general manager.
According to Jimmy Haslam’s organizational structure, General Manager Ray Farmer is in control of drafting, trades, and assembling the 53-man roster. Mike Pettine, the head coach, selects the 45 players who will dress for games after conferring with his assistants.
For all of the chatter about “dysfunction” with the Browns, I believe Farmer and Pettine have worked well together. They see the game in the same way: a tough defense, a gritty running assault, and a physical team.
Shanahan’s zone-blocking strategy and emphasis on the rushing game complement this approach. That is why he was hired by Pettine.
A year ago, the Browns were searching for a coach. They did not hire Pettin
e until January 23, 2014.
Last season, six new coaches were hired before Pettine, including Lovie Smith (Tampa Bay), Jim Caldwell (Detroit), Mike Zimmer (Minnesota), Bill O’Brien (Houston), Ken Whisenhunt (Tennessee), and Jay Gruden (Washington).
Sometimes the head coach likes the assistant, but the assistant believes there are better places to work.
Shanahan needed a job. He went from being a popular coordinator with Washington following the 2012 season to being a part of the 2013 fiasco with Robert Griffin III. This resulted in the firings of both head coach Mike Shanahan and his son Kyle.
Meanwhile, Pettine required coaches, and I noted that this would be a difficult situation for the rookie head coach. Many of the coaches hired had just been sacked by other teams after head coach changes.
The Browns hired four coaches who have worked with Pettine in Buffalo. Three came from Washington (including Shanahan). Three from various colleges. Two from Tampa Bay. Two from Baltimore. One from Tennessee.
Dowell Loggains, the quarterbacks coach, was hired three days before Shanahan. When Loggains joined the organization, he was expected to serve as either the offensive coordinator or quarterback coach. He was fired during a coaching transition in Tennessee.
That’s correct; Loggains was hired before Shanahan.
I’ve been attempting to figure out who loved Loggains. I heard he had a close friendship with Mike Lombardi. I doubt it was the sole reason Loggains was hired; he must have impressed someone else.
