With Marty Schottenheimer’s dismissal from the San Diego Chargers announced on Monday night, immediately Browns’ fans started clamoring for his return. There is no doubt that the man who has won 200 games as an NFL head coach has been very successful, in the regular season. However, should Randy Lerner and Phil Savage consider him to replace Romeo Crennel if they decide to go in that direction?
Since the Browns return to the NFL in 1999, they have been a mediocre franchise. The best record the team has recorded was a 9-7 mark in 2002. Schottenheimer’s regular season record provides promise that the brown and orange could become a respectable franchise and get back to the playoffs again. I can see that argument. Certainly, a 9-7 mark would be a joy compared to the horrible record compiled by the team the past few years.
However, it isn’t a long term solution. Why? Schottenheimer’s age for one reason. The former Charger boss will be 64 years old in 2007. Which means he would be 65 if he would return to the Browns for the 2008 season. Marty is a players’ coach and can easily connect with the players of today. That’s not the problem. The question is how long would he want to coach the Browns. Having him here for two years isn’t the answer. That would just mean starting over again in 2010.
The other problem is the talent. Even if Schottenheimer is some sort of wizard, what can he do with the talent on hand. He might be able to elevate the Browns to an 8-8 or 9-7 record. If that’s what you want, so be it. The Browns have been so terrible lately that the team’s fans are willing to settle for a decent team, rather than having the goal be a Super Bowl team. The biggest problem with the Browns is they don’t have enough players in the above average category at this point. Until that happens, bringing in Vince Lombardi wouldn’t make the squad a championship contender.
There is no question that Marty Schottenheimer can coach. However, bringing him in just puts some make up over the real problems this team has. Until more talent is brought in, it will not make that much of a difference. I’m also guessing that Marty will be looking for a team that can get him to his first Super Bowl, and sooner rather than later. The Cleveland Browns don’t fit that criteria. If Crennel is replaced, I’d be looking in another direction.
JD
Cleveland Sports Perspective 