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Questions linger about Crennel's future
By Terry Pluto
HOUSTON - You don't want to make a change just to make a change.
That's been the best argument made by some in the Browns' organization for keeping Romeo Crennel as coach.
But it's not a good enough reason.
The Browns correctly realize Crennel can't be blamed for much of what happened this season, from a very demanding schedule to an overwhelming onslaught of injuries that ended with a 4-12 record after Sunday's 14-6 loss in Houston.
When you evaluate a coach, you must ask, ``What is under his control?''
Then you ask, ``How did he handle those situations?''
Finally, you ask, ``Does he have the leadership skills necessary to turn around the Browns?''
What the Browns can't do is say, ``Well, there's no big-name coach available, so we might as well give Romeo another shot -- even if we're not sure he's the guy we need.''
One theory is the Browns will bring back Crennel while Bill Cowher sits out next season, the last on his contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Then if the Browns still stumble, they make a big move for Cowher in 2008.
That's just dumb.
It's writing off 2007. It's gambling that Cowher would come in 2008. It's wasting another year.
Another rationalization for keeping Crennel is the Browns are playing a 3-4 defense, and they just switched to it from a 4-3. If they hire another coach, he might want to go back to a 4-3 -- and that means changing some players on defense again.
So you retain a coach in whom you have doubts just to keep a defensive scheme in place? Does that make sense?
Important question
As the Browns evaluate Crennel, it should not be about pleasing the fans, or finding someone to blame for a fourth consecutive season of at least 10 losses.
Before the draft, before signing free agents, before dealing with the numerous weaknesses facing the team -- the Browns must ask if Crennel has shown the necessary leadership skills in his first two years.
At the very least, the Browns must replace several assistants. They probably need a big-time offensive coordinator, because Crennel's expertise is on the defensive side of the ball. The offense this season was plagued by more than a shaky line -- it had a complete identity crisis.
Too often, you asked, ``Just what are they supposed to be doing out there?''
Crennel has never clearly explained his vision for the offense. Maybe he doesn't have one, or maybe he doesn't want to impose his will on his coordinator.
Neither is an adequate explanation or a compelling endorsement for having confidence in Crennel.
Crennel was 6-10 in his first season. It appeared the Browns had stabilized after the final two years under Butch Davis when players didn't trust the front office and there were some significant discipline issues.
But this season, Crennel was tested by some of the players. He didn't always respond well. A coach can't control what a player says or does -- but he can dictate the consequences when a player makes poor decisions.
As usual, Terry Pluto is right on...
