Mike Pettine’s arrival likely means an upgrade at inside linebacker
January 24, 2014
Uniwatch: Josh Gordon’s Pro Bowl uniform, complete with orange visor
January 24, 2014As the Browns look to build a staff for their new head coach in Mike Pettine, the first of what will likely be many names is former Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak.
Hear there’s interest in Gary Kubiak for #Browns OC job. Would make sense, given team’s FA love for RB Ben Tate, who’d be in the same system
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 24, 2014
Browns will make a run at former Texans coach Gary Kubiak from what I'm hearing to be Mike Pettine's offensive coordinator
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 24, 2014
With a rookie, defensive-minded head coach locked up, finding a top-flight offensive coordinator (in addition to a new, talented quarterback) is imperative to the Browns’ future success. Pettine and Kubiak have never worked together in the past, but, “RapSheet” points out, Kubiak’s fit in Cleveland would make some sense as the Browns have repeatedly been linked to Texans free-agent running back Ben Tate. Given his work with All-Everything wide recevier Andre Johnson, Kubiak’s addition would likely mean good things for All-Pro wide receiver Josh Gordon, as well.
Kubiak was relieved of his duties in Houston after the Texans drastically underperformed expectations. He worked under Mike Shanahan in Denver prior to taking the job with the Texans where he turned an undrafted running back named Arian Foster into a Pro Bowler (who also happens to be featured in Toyotal commercials) while winning a playoff game with TJ Yates as his quarterback in 2011. He interviewed with the Detroit Lions prior to their filling of a head coaching vacancy, but it is unclear as to whether or not he would be willing to accept a coordinator position just weeks after he firing.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter doesn’t appear to think so.
Despite Browns' interest, it is considered unlikely that former Texans HC Gary Kubiak will become Cleveland's next offensive coordinator.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 24, 2014
Meanwhile, it does appear likely that Pettine will be bringing 36-year-old Jim O’Neil with him from Buffalo where the linebackers coach would serve as his defensive coordinator.
11 Comments
I think the whole linking to Ben Tate is a bit overblown. Knowing Banner, he’s not going to lock up a lot of money in a running back. If they can get Ben Tate at a reasonable price, then I’m sure they’ll try to do that. I don’t see Banner spending heavily to get him though.
Agreed, especially with RB being deep this year. Why waste cap space on a quickly-aging, injury-prone back when a younger and more nimble back could be had in the third or fourth rounds this year?
If the team is looking to use cap space on risky skill position players, I’d much rather see them take a stab at Jeremy Maclin or Hakeem Nicks.
Personally I’d rather pay Tate then risk a draft pick on a RB not when there are as many other needs on this team. This thinking is how I approach the OL/DL as well. Unless there is a sure thing an absolute gem like a Joe Thomas or a Mario Williams I prefer to spend $$$ on the line for proven guys who can contribute immediately who don’t require 2-3 years to learn. Just my belief though.
As far as RBs go the good news is this draft has more then a few options. I think value will be found in round 2 and 3 rather easily.
I said the other day I liked the idea of Kubiak I don’t maybe I’m in the minority. I like the idea of him trying to get back to being a coordinator as opposed to a HC and having so many responsibilities. The fact he was just fired by Houston as HC could be a positive in the way of lighting a fire under him and removing a ton of pressure which didn’t help his health condition. I assume, I don’t know, just spit balling.
I agree. Also, I prefer Hyde+Grice anyway. We have the draft picks to spare and they would likely be better & cheaper (even combined) than Tate.
i’m not down on Kubiak as OC, he just isn’t the “great offensive innovator” that many of us would like to have. it doesn’t mean he isn’t a good guy to get though.
Kinda how I feel about Mike Pettine.
Nothing up and coming about him at all; plus to akin him to a great offensive mind because of Andre Johnson is to say that Phil Jackson is the greatest NBA coach because he had Michael Jordan.
#playermakesthecoach
Browns or Pettine? Shouldn’t Pettine be picking OC?
You’d think I just hope Schwartz isn’t chosen as DC because if he is I think I have more proof of something I feared.
The big guy on the right is Gary Kubiak, right? He can’t lose!