NFL coaching carousel: Ranking the most attractive openings

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws the ball in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws the ball in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 23: Darren Fells #88 celebrates his touchdown with Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 23: Darren Fells #88 celebrates his touchdown with Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /

1. Cleveland Browns

Flush with cap space in 2019 and boasting Baker Mayfield at quarterback, the Cleveland Browns have the most desirable head coach opening. Mayfield proved to be everything the team could’ve hoped as a rookie, breaking records and excelling after Hue Jackson was fired. Now it’s time for a thorough search that leads to a long-term partnership.

General manager John Dorsey provides stability and reason for confidence in this search. He had a good run with Kansas City and a great first off-season with the Browns. His early decision to not name Gregg Williams as full-time head coach is also a good sign he won’t stay stagnant.

The Browns must continue to build roster depth this off-season and retain in-house talent. Breshad Perriman is a legitimate starter, Rashard Higgins should be extended as a restricted free-agent, and Greg Robinson is serviceable enough as a left tackle.

The defense could use more work. Another star defensive end, a stout defensive tackle, and an athletic linebacker are musts. More depth at corner will help, too. But those needs won’t sway a coaching search.