Opinion: Gregg Williams Should Be The Permanent Browns Head Coach
On October 29th, the Browns announced they were letting Hue Jackson go as head coach, and they were letting offensive coordinator Todd Haley go as well. The Browns looked to be in turmoil, starting the season a disappointing 2–6 after going 0–16 the year before. The team won a combined three games under Jackson in three years.
Then, a miracle happened! Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams was named the interim head coach, and since the Browns have been playing their best football in a decade. Under Williams, the Browns were 5–3 with their only losses coming to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Houston Texans, and the Baltimore Ravens. All of those teams are playoff teams that right now have a better team than the Browns.
The argument that Gregg Williams should be the head coach next year is legitimate, and it should happen. People in the Cleveland media have struck it down over the last month, and I just do not understand their logic. When the argument comes up, people against Williams bring up the fact the Browns have not beat a team with a winning record, and that he was a head coach before and failed in Buffalo.
I say bologna to that argument! Williams does not make up their schedule, and neither do the Browns. This is not college. The NFL makes it, and regardless the teams the Browns beat this season with Williams were fighting for their playoff lives, and the Browns ended their seasons by beating them. Also, the fact Williams failed in Buffalo does not mean anything. That was 15 years ago. A lot has changed in 15 years, including the style of game. Maybe Williams was not ready to be a head man back then, but he looks ready now!
The players have responded to Williams in such a positive light I do not see how General Manager John Dorsey cannot hire him back, regardless what happened this weekend in Baltimore. I understand Williams messed up on the challenge, but if Greg Joseph makes the field goal at the end of the first half, the Browns win the game, even with all the bad things that happened to them in the game. I am not saying give him a mega contract. I think the Browns should give Williams a one year prove it deal, and then if it does not work out, you can let Williams go, and hire your own guy.
The fact the Browns were in a position to have a winning season for the first time in a decade after the way the season started is a credit to Williams. He has changed his style from a flamboyant, profanity-laced coach, to a calm, focused, loveable man that is leading the Browns back to stardom. While offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens is a big part of the success as well, it is the way Williams has helped all 53 men on the roster believe in themselves that has sparked the turn around.
The man simply deserves a shot.
