Cleveland Browns: Todd Haley could already be out
By Erik Lambert
The Cleveland Browns may have won a couple games this year, but it hasn’t erased the fact they’re still a losing franchise with tons of dysfunction.
One of the more controversial hires this year was when the Browns brought in Todd Haley to become their offensive coordinator. On paper, it was a smart idea. The guy is intelligent and excellent at developing quarterbacks like Ben Roethlisberger and Kurt Warner can attest. The problem is he’s not exactly the most diplomatic personality. Haley has a reputation for being headstrong and confrontational.
This was a big reason why he was let go by the Pittsburgh Steelers despite so much success there. Cleveland had hoped he could help turn Baker Mayfield into a top starter moving forward, but already it appears problems have surfaced. The offense has looked off and it’s getting to a point where head coach Hue Jackson has grown frustrated.
So much in fact that according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, he may not only take over play calling duties but could even fire Haley.
"“As the losses mount in Cleveland, so does the frustration. Three defeats in their last four games, coupled with a curious public debate surrounding the offense, has put the Browns in a similar and maddening position.If it’s not resolved, change will come with hopes of fixing the dysfunction that has mostly manifested itself on offense, sources say.For several weeks, it’s been clear that coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley have not been on the same page. Several people in the organization have battled to help them work together, but it has not improved.If this continues, and the disconnect is not reconciled, a move will likely be made.”"
Jackson’s pending decision reeks of utter, total desperation
Plenty of people have cautioned against making any changes to the offense at this point. It’s better to just let the young players continue to play in it and master it. Things should come around given time. Jackson though understands he may not have time. He was already on the hot seat coming into this season after winning just one game his first two years. If the team didn’t show significant signs of progress in 2018, it would likely cost him his job.
It’s often in times like this where coaches try to take greater control of a situation. For Jackson, his expertise is offense and he wants it run a different way than what Haley has done. The problem is Jackson didn’t do much better the last time he ran the offense a year ago, which was the entire reason Haley was hired in the first place. It just continues to reinforce how lacking in a plan or direction this team has from top to bottom despite the increase in overall talent.