NFL coaching carousel: Ranking the most attractive openings
By Ian Wharton
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.