Commentary: Finding a true leader should be priority No. 1 in coaching search
Jimmy Haslam and Andrew Berry said the right things after firing coach Kevin Stefanski.
They just have to follow their advice.
A coaching search shouldn’t become a popularity contest. Or a comparison of stats.
I get it. Numbers are easy to collect and compare. Coach X had the NFL’s No. 1-ranked offense, Coach Y’s defense was No. 5.
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Throw in wins and losses of the candidate’s employer, and you have an argument for or against someone’s hiring.
That’s overlooking the biggest piece of the puzzle: leadership. It’s a skill that doesn’t necessarily show up in stats or wins and losses.
“The leadership required of a head coach in the NFL, it’s one of the tougher leadership jobs I’ve ever seen,” Haslam, the Browns owner, said Monday. “So they have to be good leaders.”
The Browns began interviews Thursday with a pair of internal candidates: defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.
Schwartz, 59, looks like the early favorite to land the job as Stefanski’s replacement. Schwartz was a head coach with the Lions — 29-51, a playoff appearance — turned the Browns into an elite defense and received the endorsement of multiple players, including Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward, who called him a “great leader.”
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Rees, 33, is considered an up-and-comer with a bright future. If the Browns hire a defensive coach, they could push for Rees to remain as the leader of the offense.
The Browns also requested interviews with Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher, Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde and Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
Proof that leadership should be the top trait isn’t hard to find.
John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin are a pair of great examples, spending the last two decades dominating the Browns inside the AFC North. Harbaugh, who was fired by the Ravens this week after 18 years, was a special teams coach before getting the head job. Mike Tomlin was a defensive coordinator for only a season before being hired by the Steelers.
They don’t call plays. But they established a culture, related to players, held them accountable, hired staffs and won.
Some guys can do it all — lead and out-X and O the opponent.
Andy Reid, Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan and Sean Payton are on the list. Seattle’s Mike Macdonald appears well on the way to joining them, but as a defensive expert.
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Finding a great leader who’s a tactician is ideal. It just makes things easier. The organization has to get one fewer hire correct.
But Haslam and Berry can’t assume that a prolific play caller or brilliant offensive/defensive mind will come with the necessary leadership skills. This is especially true for someone who hasn’t been a head coach.
It’s different running the quarterback room, or even being in charge of the entire offense, than standing in front of the whole team six days a week. That’s a lot of eyes on you.
The messaging must be consistent. The energy at a steady level. The inspiration fresh.
“No. 1, it’s not just leadership by position, but I’d say leadership more globally,” Berry said. “Because when you hire a head coach, it’s someone who has to be able to lead your players, lead your staff, lead the organization, lead through hardship and lead through crisis.
“NFL years, they’re like dog years. They’re really difficult seasons. That’ll be at the forefront because it’s first and foremost a leadership position.”
Berry was retained despite the 8-26 record over the last two years that led to Stefanski’s departure. Berry was given the responsibility of running a coaching search for the first time. He promised a broad and thorough process in which the organization won’t be limited by head coaching experience, side of the ball or scheme.
“Let’s find the right head coach. Let’s find the right leader, because schemes, they really do come and go,” he said.
Of course, leadership must be supported by results. Stefanski was a good example.
He was respected by staff and players and the team playing hard wasn’t an issue. But he was ultimately doomed by an unproductive offense, in-game strategy issues and too many losses.
The checklist for the next coach is long. Haslam mentioned intelligence, football acumen and expertise on one side of the ball. Berry mentioned the ability to handle crises. I’d add strong communication skills, the ability to hire a quality staff and a trustworthy personality suitable for the face of the franchise.
Finding the right coach won’t be easy, and the importance of the task can’t be overstated. The winningest organizations have the best coaches and quarterbacks.
Given a reprieve, Berry must nail both quests. If not, somebody else will lead the search for his replacement.
He said the Browns know what they want and won’t just follow the rest of the teams looking for coaches.
“Some good coaches will fit us, but they won’t fit the Titans. Some will fit the Giants and they won’t necessarily fit us,” Berry said. “I have a lot of confidence that we’ll be able to find that person.”
As safety Grant Delpit said, that starts with one qualification.
“Just say in simple terms, a good leader,” he said. “A leader of men and somebody who’s going to be fiery and help guys get to that mentality of playing ball because I think it’s more than just X’s and O’s in this league. I think you need somebody that’s not afraid to lead from the front.”
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