Greg Schiano: Genesis Of Browns Upheaval?
February 13th, 2014
Man, Joe almost pities the good folks of Cleveland. Just look at their misery during the winter and, when it comes to late summer when most of America is wetting its pants in anticipation of football, the poor people of northeast Ohio are kicked in the groin repeatedly by the Browns.
If any snobbish NFL suit tries to mock fans for not knowing what they are talking about, then point that individual in the general direction of the Factory of Sadness on the shores of Lake Erie. Why, a drunk in a bar couldn’t do any worse than what alleged learned football men have wrought upon Cleveland since the original team bolted for Baltimore.
It is so shameful, NFL warden commissioner Roger Goodell should think seriously of having the league take over operations of the Browns to try to bring sanity back to a once proud franchise.
How crazy is it in Cleveland? It seems the recent (latest?) front-office purge of the Browns was sparked by none other than former Bucs commander Greg Schiano. That’s the news from fight-instigating, barista-training, pedestrian-bumping, olive oil-lapping, popcorn-munching, coffee-slurping, fried-chicken-eating, oatmeal-loving, circle-jerking, beer-chugging, cricket-watching, scone-loathing, college football-naïve, baseball box score-reading Peter King of SI.com and theMMQB.com fame, who spoke with FBI-investigated, itchy trigger-fingered Browns owner Jimmy Haslam.
It seems when Schiano recently interviewed for the opening with the Browns, Haslam became infatuated with him but Haslam’s (then) right-hand man Joe Banner was disgusted by Schiano. This began a rift that resulted in a house-cleaning at the Factor of Sadness Tuesday.
Again.
Bill Belichick and Urban Meyer were strong in recommendations for fired Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano—Belichick called twice—and here’s where I hear there was a major rift in the organization. Banner wanted nothing to do with Schiano. Haslam was intrigued with him after the over-the-top recommendation from Belichick. The group flew to Tampa to interview Schiano, and one source said Banner was cold to Schiano, not participating much in the interview. Banner likely thought Schiano would be a disastrous hire, given all the negatives in recent Cleveland history. He was probably right, but the owner was open to it, and when the owner’s open to it, the man running football operations should at least consider it.
Urban Meyer??? Joe can only think Meyer went to the plate for Schiano in a twisted attempt to keep Schiano out of the Big Ten. Say what you will about Schiano’s job in Tampa Bay, but if he can turn around Rutgers, which was the urinal mint of college football before Schiano took over, imagine what he could have done at say, Illinois, or even Purdue? Hell, even Ron Zook proved Illinois could be a factor in college football, and unlike Zook, you wouldn’t see Schiano standing in the front yard of the TKE house in Champaign in broad daylight, challenging fraternity members to a throwdown.
Why wouldn’t Meyer, one of the biggest frauds/egomaniacs in college football, not want the Browns gig for himself? At least in Cleveland, Meyer wouldn’t have to worry about a kid’s arm-long rap sheet or trying to cover up shootings (allegedly).
The Browns mess is so twisted, it’s almost difficult for Joe to believe.
February 13th, 2014 at 7:39 am
Belicheat wanted some Browns players and you know Schiano would have given everything he asked for
February 13th, 2014 at 7:41 am
Btw joe, will you post that nfl.com article where Johnny Football looled as undraftable in its final 2 games at a&m or you will just put another glennon bashing article today?
February 13th, 2014 at 7:50 am
So Gregory got two front offices fired in one season. Quite an accomplishment by the proclaimed New Schiano Order.
Almost comparable to a QB who forced out the incumbent starter at his alma mater, because the coach wanted to start the new guy, only to get that coach fired, i.e. Tom O’Brien at NC State.
February 13th, 2014 at 7:51 am
Joe Banner saw a future which would turn the Cleveland fans into causing RIOTS in the city of Cleveland.
The NFL would officially make it a rule for all who were stepping on the football field at ‘First Energy Stadium’ on game day to wear helmets to protect themselves from receiving concussions due to flying objects such as batteries, cellphones, cameras, ipads, etc.
Mayor Frank G. Jackson would be force to legalize Marijuana in the stadium to control the hounds.
Joe Banner canceled the resurrection of the 60’s by avoiding Laughingstock III.
You Go Joe! You Go Joe!
February 13th, 2014 at 7:55 am
When I saw this story hit our desk yesterday all I thought was Freeman pulled a trifecta…he managed toget three teams to fire either their coaches, GMs or both…
February 13th, 2014 at 8:04 am
Banner is right to bolt from the never ending train wreck that is the Cleveland Browns. Why any owner would be intrigued by Schiano after watching the Bucs last year is laughable.
February 13th, 2014 at 8:31 am
That Guy Says:
February 13th, 2014 at 7:50 am So Gregory got two front offices fired in one season. Quite an accomplishment by the proclaimed New Schiano Order.
Almost comparable to a QB who forced out the incumbent starter at his alma mater, because the coach wanted to start the new guy, only to get that coach fired, i.e. Tom O’Brien at NC State.
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Wow, some serious revisionist history there. Russell Wilson transferred because he had already graduated and “said” he wanted to continue playing baseball, which NC State coaches didn’t want him to do. If you want to make assumptions, it should based more on the fact that Wilson wanted out of NC State and wanted to play with a decent team for a change, because he was the entire offense for the Wolfpack. Considering Wilson won 9 games in his junior year and Glennon was NEVER able to accomplish that…it’s safe to say that Wilson was the far better college QB.
February 13th, 2014 at 8:51 am
so does this mean Freeman technically got 5 people fired ??
February 13th, 2014 at 8:53 am
Had Schiano been in Tampa, maybe the Browns keep the dufus twins
February 13th, 2014 at 8:54 am
Man! Say what we will about the Glazers, but thank the good lord we don’t have that dumb, dirty shyster Hasslam, who is coming off as Dan Snyder on steroids type of terrible owner. It’s like he learned nothing from his Steelers days.
February 13th, 2014 at 8:55 am
Freeman is getting more people fired than Cromartie can impregnate in an offseason
February 13th, 2014 at 9:06 am
lol vato!
February 13th, 2014 at 9:26 am
Schiano must have some dirt on Bellicheat. After seeing what Mr. Toes on the Line did in Tampa for a couple of years, I don’t know how any NFL coach can endorse him. Schiano should go back to college where at least he can be average in a decent conference.
February 13th, 2014 at 9:37 am
the locker room was infested when he came in. he cleaned house, but all it takes is one bad apple to spread.
he could not just cut free…it was too risky. so he let it play out.
yes, schiano was an ass, but I think he has a lot of potential should he e another hot and learn to treat players like men.
that being said, free was his ultimate downfall.
I still think there should be some sort of investigation against free and his agent. if found guilty of the leaks and such he should be held accountable for not only his compensation, but for the damages he cost the team/organization. he should be flipping burgers and endebted to the glazers for 50 mil
February 13th, 2014 at 9:43 am
bucsqc get used to it…until glennon kisses the ring of the pooch he will continue to get bashed….its just the way sports is defined in this market
February 13th, 2014 at 9:43 am
Which drunk hired the fool here?
Oh yeah……now I remember.
February 13th, 2014 at 9:47 am
Joe wrote about it earlier this week. Where ya’ been? No shock.
February 13th, 2014 at 9:52 am
Ironic isn’t Eric?…. the 1 common denominator has yet to get the level of beating everybody else is receiving….sure theres mild snark but not the constant drumming those that wont participate in the golf tournament or refuse to kiss the pooches ring are getting….just sayin
February 13th, 2014 at 9:53 am
It is laughable how bad that franchise is ran. And it’s sad that the Bucs had the same record as them.
February 13th, 2014 at 10:05 am
@BucsQcCity Says:
“…Btw joe, will you post that nfl.com article where Johnny Football looled as undraftable in its final 2 games at a&m…”
Thank you for mentioning this. The radio interview with Greg Cosell was very interesting about Manziel and Bortles
February 13th, 2014 at 10:09 am
Oh!!!
February 13th, 2014 at 10:31 am
Man bellicheck kno what he doing i think he endorses ppl he thibk wony succeed so he only has to worry about 30 other teams as opposed to 31 teams. Ithink its his strategy to limit his competition why get rid of a bad coach and bring n soneone who might can conpete with the mighty patriots. And u dont vkame thr browns not wanting him youd b a fool to only take someone on the ppotential of soneone else’s perception. You go by what u sre its the nfl the not for long league what have u done fot me lately. I cant see how the browns could sell firing your head coach after 1 season with a 4-12 record just to hire someone who just got fired fot going 4-12 jusy because mr bellicheck ok’d it. You keep on letting other organazations make business desicions for u an let me kno how that works out 4 u….. an u do kno bellicheck wont b fired if u do bad right lmao
February 13th, 2014 at 10:40 am
Schiano groomed a Franchise QB in Glennon. Well done Greg, well done.
February 13th, 2014 at 10:40 am
If God was going to give the state of Ohio an enema, he would stick the hose into Cleveland!!
February 13th, 2014 at 10:48 am
Well why the f@(k couldn’t he groom him enough to play a second half? Miss me wit the greg and glennon love what did he have like 40 completed second half passes all season???? U can flip thosr stats all u want and blame whoever uwant i dont care y or who’s fault it is i just dont want any larts of that mediocrity. Hell ive personally seen brees complete 40 plus passes in 1 games. On to the next 1 man keep lookin until u find what 1 he can compete but his 2013 film sgowef us he’ll never be a team leading qb who can personally win agame when needed…..and dont uthink for a second it will never be needed no matter hiw dominate our ddefense and special teams will b this year.sapp said it best drfense gets u there but u gotta maje a play when your numbers called mr qb
February 13th, 2014 at 10:50 am
2013 film shows us ^
February 13th, 2014 at 11:10 am
@Robert6….”yes, schiano was an ass, but I think he has a lot of potential should he get another shot” – Agree
If there is one thing that is indisputable its that Schiano knows talent and can build a program through the draft. An organization like the Browns will never attract top tier coaches without talent or breaking the bank, sure they would like for a Jimmy Johnson to come along but if you cant get him and you’re going to have to get a second tier coach/coordinator, it makes sense to look at someone that has proven they can draft quality players and hold a team together during a few rough season(s) while the team rebuilds. Once a core group of talent is acquired, if the coach hasnt started winning, you bring a proven veteran like a Lovie, Reid, etc.
I think Schiano will make his way back to the NFL at some point.
February 13th, 2014 at 11:21 am
I notice Bellichick hasn’t hired Schiano for his staff. With plenty of openings.
February 13th, 2014 at 11:21 am
If Schiano was hired by Cleveland Glennon would have gifted us probably a 3rd round pick on the draft through a trade.
Too bad Joe Banner pulled our rug.
February 13th, 2014 at 11:27 am
I had never heard the phrase “the Factory of Sadness” before when referring to the Browns. I’m going to use that on my friends from Cleveland right now. Thanks Joe!!
February 13th, 2014 at 11:46 am
I’ve always liked the Cleveland Browns, them and the Steelers are my favorite AFC teams. I liked Schiano, he needed more time to build up a team, and given time he would of built up the Bucs, as with the Browns if given the time Schiano if hired there would get them on the upswing. With 32 NFL teams, not all can be winners, some wallow in obscurity for decades, much like the Bucs past. Losers abound. Winning is not the only result that matters.
February 13th, 2014 at 12:04 pm
Worst. Coach. Ever.
February 13th, 2014 at 12:10 pm
Be very leery of recommendations from Belichick.
February 13th, 2014 at 12:35 pm
Many fans and media in the Tampa Bay area sound just like Cleveland did when they fired Belichick. Firing Coach Schiano is the Bucs’ loss and not hiring him is Cleveland’s.
February 13th, 2014 at 12:57 pm
Run to daylight must be from boston wow take that shiiiit somewhere else 2 years with no progress wow
February 13th, 2014 at 12:58 pm
@runtodaylight,
There’s a couple major differences between Schiano and Bellicheck. First of all, Bellicheck won in Cleveland. People tend to conveniently forget that. Second, he was from the Parcells tree, and spent many years as a successful coordinator under a championship team. A professional team no less. Bellicheck hired a great staff, and I mean great. Schiano, not so much to any of those. So can we please stop already with the stupid comparisons???????????
February 13th, 2014 at 12:59 pm
The only person who prospered when the Bucs hired the Little General was Belicheat and the Patriots.
His son also got a free education at Rutgers.
Belicheat holds grudges and his backing of Greggles was his revenge for when the Brownies fired his ass.
February 13th, 2014 at 1:02 pm
Maybe we can trade Glennon to the browns for a 2nd round pick. If Glennon can be a superbowl quarterback, who cant be? Lets trade glennon and build up our other supporting cast. We still fail this year? Grab a qb in the first next year
February 13th, 2014 at 1:45 pm
Schiano must have a hidden cam video of Bellichick with underage girls in the Philippines. Or…Schiano is his biggest “plant”. Let’s see, who does the Browns have that I need?
February 13th, 2014 at 1:48 pm
Schiano’s big break came when Ray Rice decided to stay close to home, and attend Rutgers.
February 13th, 2014 at 2:44 pm
“Urinal mint”
Quality visual Joe.Classic,Classic JBF.
February 13th, 2014 at 2:48 pm
I’m sure Belicheat would love to see his favorite trading partner get a job anywhere! The question Joe should be asking is who will land a job first, Schiano or Freeman?
February 13th, 2014 at 10:03 pm
I agree that Schiano may have been needed here. Raheem left the locker room in a total disaster and Schiano cleaned house.
Schiano may be a horrible game-day coach. But he can stabilize a team that is out of control.
February 13th, 2014 at 10:48 pm
Bellicheat want someone else to hire him so he want have to give him a job. Coach toes on the line is standing behind freeman in the unemployment line.
February 13th, 2014 at 11:08 pm
Since Josh Freeman is responsible for getting Schiano fired – in addition to Dominik and Leslie Frazier – does that mean he’s also indirectly responsible for the purge in Cleveland?
February 14th, 2014 at 1:03 am
This may sound like crazy talk to some, but just maybe these guys recommend Schiano because they actually believe the guy is a good coach instead of some other nefarious motive? Probably the best thing for Schiano to do at this point is take a D coordinator or special teams gig with an NFL team and work on rebuilding his perceived image as well as letting the NFL/media hate towards the guy die down. If he can learn how to do better in game/second half adjustments then I think he can be a successful NFL coach if given other shot somewhere in the future. Browns could have done worse (who knows maybe they did?)