The Cleveland Browns seemingly are a team in upheaval. Not winning can be tolerated if there is the appearance of growth and improvement. But the 2011 season has not heralded anything that can be considered growth and there certainly doesn’t seem to be many areas that a fan can point to as improvement. With rookie head coach Pat Shurmur looking dazed and confused on the sidelines, there is reason to speculate that he will not return as the head coach next season.
The mistakes, overlooks, and down right inept play calling are mounting against Pat Shurmur.
Yahoo Sports article Six the hard way: Which coaches might be next on the chopping block? list Shurmur as possibly on his way out, right below Andy Reid who would certainly look great standing on the Cleveland sidelines.
“The Coach: Andy Reid, Philadelphia Eagles
The Record: 5-8 in 2011 (123-81-1 in 13th season with Eagles)
The Case For: Arguably the most successful coach in franchise history; has a proven track record as a brilliant designer of offenses; has a strong bond with many current players and a great deal of respect around the league.
The Case Against: Defense has fallen apart since the passing of former defensive coordinator Jim Johnson; has generally possessed more of an offensive viewpoint than the more overall view generally required of a head coach.
The Verdict: Reid might be as likely to leave of his own volition. It’s unlikely that the Eagles would fire him, especially if they finish strong. But it could certainly be argued that Reid may be asked to make changes, specifically at defensive coordinator, where Juan Castillo has been a disaster. We bet that he’ll give it another shot in Philly with a few attendant changes.”
“The Coach: Pat Shurmur, Cleveland Browns
The Record: 4-9 in 2011 (4-9 in 1st year with Browns)
The Case For: He’s a first-year coach with a franchise that is trying to rebuild. Team president Mike Holmgren, a former head coach, hates to fire coaches. Personnel decisions beyond his control are deciding his fate to a large degree.
The Case Against: The Colt McCoy concussion issue is becoming an embarrassment; Shurmur hasn’t seemed to tie himself to any development of McCoy as he did with Sam Bradford last year; and Mike Holmgren did eventually say good-bye to Eric Mangini.
The Verdict: Shurmur gets another year, but on a very short leash. And if an attractive former Holmgren acolyte like Reid or Marty Mornhinweg pops loose, Shurmur might be on the outside looking in.”
In many fans eyes, the rookie head coach experiments have failed over the last 10 years. It’s time to land the head coach with a proven track record.
