Rob Chudzinski Press Release
January 10, 2013
While We’re Waiting… Conspiracy theories
January 11, 2013
Terry Pluto called it underwhelming. That’s the only thing I read about the Browns hiring of Rob Chudzinski before I took to my keyboard to react. And my reaction is pretty much nothing. I can’t be excited because I wasn’t in the interviews. I can’t be totally disappointed for the same reason. The only reaction I have is actually more of a demand. Show me why this was a good hire.
Tomorrow when the Browns get in front of cameras and microphones to talk about this move, I will be paying close attention to some very specific things. First and foremost, Rob Chudzinski better give off an air of leadership that Joe Banner and Jimmy Haslam have sounded off about ever since the search began. Leadership isn’t one of those subtle and invisible traits because an ability to communicate clearly, effectively and usually passionately is part and parcel with being a great leader. I’ll be looking for that first and foremost.
Next, I’ll be looking for any kind of cues as to what kind of transition the Browns expect this to be and I already know what I need to hear. I need to hear that Rob Chudzinski feels confident that he can achieve results with the roster as it is right now. Of course we all know there will be some changes between the draft and (hopefully) free agency, but I’ll be looking for those cues that show some confidence in being able to achieve something on the field right away. This isn’t a roster of problem children that Eric Mangini inherited. This is a young, hungry, improving roster that should be primed to make the big jump that Mike Holmgren predicted incorrectly this season.
Certainly I’ll be looking for more information about what defensive scheme the Browns plan on running, who the coordinators will be and who will be calling the plays, but that’s really on the side.
I want to see the things that will make me believe that Rob Chudzinski could be the Browns head coach for the next decade. Presumably those would have been the same things that convinced Jimmy Haslam and Joe Banner that he was the right guy to hire in their interviews. I expect it to be somewhat visible tomorrow as well.
Other than that, I’ll reserve judgment. This ownership group deserves a chance to hire their guy, and they’ve certainly been bold in hiring someone that leaves fans initially underwhelmed from a pure name value standpoint. That’s not unfair by the fans and it also doesn’t doom Rob Chudzinski as the head coach of the Browns, but hopefully Haslam and Banner understand just how big the burden of proof is looming.
Hopefully Rob Chudzinski understands the gravity of it too. This isn’t a call for some patronizing “ra ra” Browns talk that makes us feel good about ourselves. Yes, of course we like that, but it’s no more valuable than when a rock band shouts us out before a concert at the Q. It’s time to expect more of this team and everyone in Berea better appear like they not only understand that, but are prepared to try to achieve it right away.
Browns fans have proven it time and again. It’s the team’s chance to follow suit and make Haslam and Banner’s first big move a true signature.
(Photo from Panthers.com)
103 Comments
This was my guess too.
it’ll be rocky. always is (even guys that can do it have responsibility changes). let’s go position by position:
NT: Rubin, Kitchen Sink
DE: Taylor, Hughes, Winn, maybe Rucker?
DL gone: Parker(who cares), Sheard (doubt he’s a 3-4 DE)
**I put Taylor and Hughes at DE though they could play NT if needed. I did so because I like Kitchen and he’s a good complement to keep Rubin fresh and keep Taylor/Hughes/Winn on the field as rotating DE.
ILB: DQ, JMJ, Gocong? Robertson?
OLB: Sheard? Gocong?
LB gone: Maiava, Fort, Carder
**I’m not sure Sheard can handle being a 3-4 OLB. I think he’s on the trade block w/ the transition. We all remember Maiava in the 3-4. Fort and Carder are also likely to struggle there. Robertson should struggle as well, but I don’t want to give him up (dime LBer at least?).
CB: Haden, Brown?, Patterson?, Skrine, Wade?
S: Ward, Gipson, Young? Hagg?
**Also, don’t forget what likely happens here with the regime change. Goodbye Usama Young. Likely Patterson as well and possibly Hagg. I think we keep Gipson based on what he showed. Sheldon Brown is a big one though. He actually played okay last year, but he’s the type of veteran that is usually let go and allowed to follow the regime to KC or whereever Heckert winds up. We’ll see.
I’m not negative on Chud. I’m just mightily aware of the failure rate of NFL head coaches regardless of where they come from. I’m also aware that failure is a ring that the head coach is forced to wear even if an organization as a whole does tons of work to help fit him for it.
These are new guys. Banner is new to us. I’m just more of a wait and see after the last couple decades of experience. That’s not negative. It just means I won’t try to make a prediction.
Patterson’s already gone.
I tend to agree with this. I think they would keep Rucker… he’s a big dude (280 i believe?) and I think he could do well as a 3-4 defensive end particularly as he’s a good run-stopper. I could see Gocong as an OLB… he won’t be elite or anything, but he can be serviceable. Can we trade Sheard for Tamba Hali? Please? Gipson showed some good things as the season progressed and I have some hope that he could be a starter at free safety if the Browns opt to grab a pass-rusher and CB with their 1st and 3rd round picks.
Jabaal Sheard, Chris Gocong, Dmitri Patterson, Usama Young, and Juqua Parker
for
Justin Houston and Tamba Hali
get errr done!!!!
A bird in the hand is a terrible thing to waste.
have to hope that we can get good value for him on the trade market. that doesn’t happen often in the NFL, but with other teams potentially changing from the 3-4 to 4-3 (KC…possibly AZ), it could happen.
no name is being currently announced or rumored. i would hope that is because the name he wants is interviewing for HC spots. the only name that fits that bill currently is Ray Horton.
says me who prefers Horton’s style of 3-4 defense and hopes that AZ switches to a 4-3 so we can swipe some of their players.
Chud has worked with Erickson, Davis, Marty, Romeo, Norv and Rivera as the head man. That is quite a mix of styles and setups. Be interesting to see what he learned.
How not to win?
(I’m kidding!)
well cross him off then!
(thanks)
The Haslam honeymoon is officially over! After all of the great pressers and all of the interviews Rob Chudzinski is the new head coach. I must say I’m not all that inspired but just like the choice of Shurmur two years ago I’ll watch and let it play out. The good news for me is I long ago lost any real passion for this team so for me I can just sit back and watch hoping for the best. The bad news for diehard Browns fans is that your right back in an all to familiar position even after an ownership change.
you know what is strange. i prefer Justin Houston of their LBers. i’d love to grab both.
The Rock is insulted!
I dig Houston as well… man that would be a sweet haul. Sheard and Parker (and we’ll throw in some other ST players) for Hali and Houston. I’m ready to sign the lease today!
guys like Shaun Philips(SD) and Anthony Spencer at OLB
guys like Quentin Jammer(SD) and Brent Grimes at CB
guys like Jarius Byrd at safety
SD players highlighted due to Norv coming aboard (and them having a new GM helps as well). I’d expect those 2 to be signed honestly.
Again with a comparison to Baltimore I’m surprised noone has said this is like Pittsburgh too. You can’t compare the two. Baltimore kept everything else in tact from ownership to the GM to basically the team Harbaugh inherited. All Harbaugh had to do was come in and implement his system or tweak the existing one. That can’t be said here now.
let’s start hoping KC brings Heckert aboard and he has an affinity towards some of these guys. please, oh, please.
ok, so do you see him in near tears about the chance to be HC of the Browns as a good sign of his leadership 🙂
So far he’s been pretty weak as a public speaker. Doesn’t mean much, but it is a bit disappointing. Does not strike me as a “leader of men” yet, but we’ll see.
I urge you to relinquish the need for sports to be rational
Patterson plays for the Dolphins now.
well, he’s no Zimmer (seriously, Zimmer comes off incredible)
love how much emotion he is showing about it being the Browns though.
I think he’s leaning on that a lot, but in the end I don’t think it means a thing. I don’t have any reassurance that he’s going to do better as the head coach of the Browns than anywhere else simply because he grew up loving the Browns. Brady Quinn grew up loving the Browns, but it didn’t help him much 🙂
possibly. although by hiring Chud, the most likely candidate to hire Norv besides the Browns becomes Carolina.
I’m not saying this WILL happen, but I think it might be easier to inspire people to buy in if you’re that much more passionate about the franchise. Whereas with a player, talent is talent. Just MHO.
no, it doesn’t mean anything in terms of W/L. but, as a Browns fan, I cannot help but like it.
there will be no painting over murals of legendary Browns figures, if you will.
yes, don’t know why that blanked from my mind. I’d gladly give them Wade in his place though 🙂
Nowhere did I say Chud would be as successful as Baltimore, and I tried to indicate that Harbaugh came into a better situation.
I think my point is that successful head coaches don’t *always* have to have been successful OCs or DCs. If they’re smart, can put the right people around themselves, and know how to get their players to buy in, they can be. Having good players helps, too.
None of this predicts success or failure for Chud. It was just an observation.
What was Jaurons D ranked last year? 23rd, 26th? NOT GOOD! we need to strive for championship caliber D… So change is welcome to me… The D still needs a CB2, and now 2 OLBs…
I think the great thing about hiring Chud, is the opportunity to keep the offense together, and grow on that side of the ball…
Let’s look at this from this point of view for this year…. Shurmur? or Chudz?
Not that he is a make or break player. But I would care if Parker leaves. I felt he played really well when he was in there. Arguably our most consistent pass rusher this past year.
But yes, if we go to 3-4, at 35 years old, he’ll be gone.
Phillips and Spencer should go back to their teams, right? It would be a huge surprise to snag one of them.
it would be more of a surprise for Philips to go back to his team rather than follow one of the coaches he has worked under. SD removed their GM and HC and could even switch back to a 4-3 (if Lovie rumors are true).
Spencer is a Jerry-boy, so yes it would be a surprise if he left, but it’s possible as he hasn’t been great for them either.
i like what he did for us last season, but he is readily replaceable. more what i meant.
I wasn’t saying you were my point was nothing with Baltimore or Pittsburgh for that matter could be compared to Cleveland with this hiring. I agree with the premise successful head coaches don’t *always* have to have been successful OCs or DCs in fact mgbode and I have been having that discussion for a long time.
I’m just personally weary/tired of/sick of hires who are making their head coaching debuts which is what I’ve been saying for a long time.
In any event I guess we’ll see what happens. Maybe this time will be different.
aha, now we’re wait and see. Article said “better show us at the presser whatcha got, pal.”
Excellent, things are already returning to homeostasis. Welcome back, brother.
Forgive me for the overly flattering comparisons… but Sheard could still fit as a 3-4 OLB along the lines of a Suggs, more so than a Matthews or Ware. I view Baltimore’s 3-4 very differently than I view Green Bay’s or Dallas’, as Suggs is a pass rusher on the vast majority of plays, almost like a DE. To me, Baltimore’s 3-4 is more of a slightly rotated 4-3.
Point being, I could still see Sheard fitting in that role and I don’t find it necessary to automatically rule him out.
If you think we’re going to walk out on that ice willingly, you got another thing coming!
From watching the games last year I’d say our D was only bad when Haden was out and at the end of the year after the playoffs were out of reach.
it’s tough to judge on that because those also happened to be alot of the best offenses we faced this year
UPDATE: nevermind. Cowboys just hired Monte Kiffin to be their DC. Likely shift to tampa-2 4-3 defense.
That means Spencer is a true FA. Let’s go get him too. Also, gives us another potential trade partner for Sheard.
You know how teams have team slogans to get you interested in buying tickets and such? (Think: “All For One”, or “It’s Tribe Time Now!”)
I think the Browns should just adopt “Maybe this time will be different.” Perfection.
Chud’s already said in the presser that his defense could be a hybrid 3-4/ 4-3. Jauron already runs a hybrid and has all his career. He throws in a 3 man front , as well as a 5, much more than people here realize. Think this comment alone is a good indicator that Dick will be retained.
a healthy gocong adds a solid olb to the roster, with sheard on the pass rush side. we have young guys that can adapt. one solid hybrid de/olb should do the trick.
a solid 4-3 SOLB.
I want more pass rushing ability out of a 3-4 OLB myself. We might be stuck with him for now, but he’s going to be someone earmarked to be replaced (either now or soon in the future).
Ive also seen the different fronts put on by jauron. I really do hope he is retained. The d and the o-line are bright spots this past season. It would be a shame to mess with the chemistry on either unit to much.
CLE
#16 in QBrating against
#13 in YPC against
Not terrible numbers at all. I’m not going to be upset if he leaves though.
AZ
#1 in QBrating against
#19 in YPC against
And, it’s a passing league. One of the reasons that Ray Horton’s name has been such a hot commodity.
Feels like groundhog day to me for some reason but on the bright side you guys at WFNY should have plenty of material from which to pen stories. Lets just hope instead of the tragedies we are all use to that we have better days ahead.