Ranking the best potential NFL head coaching openings

3. Cleveland Browns

If not for the ongoing dysfunction since coming back as an expansion team in 1999, the Browns would be higher on this list based on the talent that’s on the roster. But no matter the owner, front office regime, who the head coach is or the player mix, there are always issues in Cleveland. It was too easy to see them wilting under the weight of high expectations this year, as Freddie Kitchens has proven to be out of his depth as a first-time head coach who had only been a position coach before becoming interim offensive coordinator in 2018.

The Browns, perhaps more than any other team on this list, should be looking at experienced options to take over as head coach (let’s assume a tepid vote of confidence in Kitchens actually yields a firing). Someone that carries credibility, can instill discipline and keep players in check as residuals of those things, has to be brought in. Former Panthers’ head coach Ron Rivera stands out as a candidate that fits that bill right off the bat.

The selling points here are led by Baker Mayfield, Nick Chubb, Myles Garrett, Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry (assuming the latter two are back). But there is plenty of other talent on the Browns’ roster, as a credit to general manager John Dorsey, which will be further bolstered by what should be another top 10-15 overall pick in next April’s draft. Squint one eye, and there’s a case for the Browns to have the most appealing job opening in the NFL come just before New Year’s.