Hey guys, this is some of the text I sent in an email to my dad regarding this next tier of Browns' HC candidates. It's not too in-depth, because my dad doesn't really care too much for specifics; so sorry if it's not too vast. Like Smooth mentioned, they aren't sticking to one 'coaching tree' or pigeon-holing their HC search; despite all the bad stuff I've been hearing (and feeling) about Banner, I'll reserve judgement until a Head Coach is named. In my opinion, I think the Browns' brass is focusing on leadership potential, instead of innovation.
Troy Calhoun, HC Air Force: They snuck him in for an interview last week, while in Phoenix. He is a former military Officer, and was an OC in Houston when David
Carr had one of his best seasons. He has the type of leadership personality that would work great with our young players; he demands accountability. The job he has done at AF is very impressive, especially considering the talent pool he has to work with. I don't have really any idea who Calhoun would bring with him for a staff; he has ties to Shanahan and Gary Kubiak.
Marc Trestman, HC Montreal Allouettes (CFL): This guy has A TON of offensive experience in the NFL. He was Bernie’s QB coach in Miami and here in Cleveland, and has extensive experience as a QB coach and OC; in addition, he was the OC when Rich Gannon won MVP in Oakland. He also helped Weeden prep for the draft, in which he really raised his draft position. He isn’t a fiery personality, but he is more of a cerebral type. Has been a HC in the CFL, and has won two Grey Cups in three attempts. I’m not really worried about the transition from CFL to the NFL. Also, Jerry Rice speaks VERY HIGHLY of this guy. He has a lot of NFL connections, so his assistant coaching pool might be pretty deep. Very very strange looking dude, however….
Ray Horton, DC Arizona: Another fiery leader type that will show his emotions as he walks down the sideline. He supposedly had a fantastic interview, and there seems to be a Mike Tomlin-esque vibe about him. Arizona’s defense was among the NFLs elite last year, as well. He was a DBs coach in Pittsburgh, where Haslam
first interacted with Horton. With the regime change in Arizona, he might be also available for a DC spot. Very good leadership qualities, and will hold guys accountable. I wonder if Whiz would be Horton's OC?
Rob Chudzinski, OC Carolina: Chud was our TE coach during the Butch Davis era, and was OC during the Derek Anderson (pro bowl) era here. He has a decent
amount of experience for a relatively young guy, and would be a good teacher for our TEs. He’s from Sandusky IIRC. While I’m not sure of his personality, he does fit the description of an offensive-minded young coach….but you could have said the same of Shurmur lol. I'd be fine making him OC, and even Asst HC; however, I'm a bit iffy on the prospect of him as our HC.
Mike Zimmer, DC Cincinnati: I think this guy is going to be a favorite of Haslam, just from what I’m hearing about him. Besides being the emotional leader of a very good Cincy D (including the most productive DL in the league), his guys will walk on hot coals for the guy. He is a young, fiery type, who is supposedly a ‘bad interview’ because he tells it like it is; however, I saw a tweet by Browns LB Scott Fujita saying Zimmer is a damn good coach. Regardless if he gets the CLE gig or
not, no doubt he will tell Banner/Haslam what is wrong with this team, and how he’d fix it. As much as I like Zimmer as a HC candidate, I'm not too eaher to see Hue Jackson as is OC.
Bruce Arians, OC Indy: He is getting a ton of good pub for the fantastic job he did as Interim HC of the Colts, after HC Pagano fell ill to leukemia; as well he should. He is 61 years old, and has never been a head coach before (Romeo Crennel part II?). He was an OC for us during some lean years, and went to a SB as OC of the Steelers a while back. Word is Arians REALLY wants the Cleveland HC job, and I think we finally requested an interview a couple days ago. I’m not sure a 61 year old first time HC is something that the new regime wants, at this time. Plus, his health is a bit of a concern, since he had to be hospitalized right before the Colts’ playoff game last week.
Ken Wisenhut, former ARZ HC: He was the OC in Pittsburgh before getting a HC job in ARZ. Arizona did go to the SB as a wild card; however, I’d argue that was more a result of Kurt Warner going Madden-style every playoff game, more than anything. He is familiar with the AFCN, would probably want to destroy the Steelers every time, and is an offensive mind. When the new regime took over, I remember Banner mentioning something about the success rates of NFL head coaches in their second job; so this might be something to consider. I do think that Whiz was a bit handcuffed by a shitty personnel team/GM/President in Arizona, so I wouldn’t be against hiring him if we built a strong personnel team to support him (or any of our candidates). Not a fan.