CLEVELAND – Kevin Stefanski will start his fourth season as head coach of the Cleveland Browns with a new coordinator, newly hired defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Once upon a time, back in 1994, another Cleveland Browns head coach was entering his fourth season also with a new coordinator, offensive coordinator Steve Crosby.

We all know that Bill Belichick is the greatest coach of all-time but entering his 4^th season the defensive-minded Belichick was having offensive woes similar to how the current offensive-minded Stefanski is having defensive woes that have hindered the Browns especially this past season. Since football is a complimentary sport fixing all sides of the ball is paramount to becoming an elite complete team.

How did Bill decide that after year 3 it was time for a change? Well…unlike Stefanski, Belichick did not actually have a coordinator on his offense the first three years but after futile outputs and fans crying to stop the infamous, “Metcalf up the middle” Bill begrudgingly promoted running backs coach, Steve Crosby.

Did it work? Yes, the Browns finished ranked 11^th in the NFL in total points up from 15^th in 1993 and up from 20^thin 1992. The Browns would finish 11-5 and won a home playoff game against the high powered led Drew Bledsoe Patriots.

It should be easier for Kevin Stefanski with Jim Schwartz leading the defense? Another yes, considering the Browns are not changing the coaching structure and unlike Crosby, who was never a coordinator, Schwartz is a Super Bowl winning defensive coordinator (2018 Eagles). 

Once again Cleveland has to make a major change but with the head coach entrenched for the past three seasons the change should not be that drastic unless you mean drastic positive results on the field. With our head coach focused on one side and with a competent coordinator on the other the Cleveland Browns can go back to playing team football. Also in case you thought I forgot about special teams, just make the kicks Cade York!

Article by: @ed_in_columbus