[ad_1]
FILE – In archive footage, on November 11, 2018, Gregg Williams, acting coach of the Cleveland Browns, watches the warm-up before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in Cleveland. Browns general manager John Dorsey said interim coach Gregg Williams would be interviewed to become the team's next coach. Williams took over when Hue Jackson was fired on October 29 and Dorsey was delighted with the team's performance with his defensive coordinator in charge. Williams, 60, coached Buffalo in 2001-03. (AP Photo / Ron Schwane, File) The Associated Press
By TOM WITHERS, AP Sports writer
BEREA, Ohio (AP) – As John Dorsey prepares to make a crucial decision that will determine the future of Cleveland football, the Browns general manager devotes a moment every day to an encouraging speech.
"Just make sure you do not ruin everything, that's what I say to myself," Dorsey said. "Do not ruin this thing."
Dorsey is in the early stages of his first coaching career at the Browns, who are doomed to the useless pursuit of a skilled leader for almost as long as they are looking for a quarter.
With the Browns (3-6-1) away this week, Dorsey has provided some information on a quest that will accelerate once the season is over and will end with Cleveland 's ninth coach since 1999.
As expected, Dorsey said that interim coach Gregg Williams would be one of the candidates interviewed. Dorsey was impressed by the work that Williams, the team's fierce defensive defense coordinator, has done over the past two weeks since he took over from Hue Jackson, who was fired on Oct. 29. after a 3-36-1 record in two or more seasons.
The Browns defeated Atlanta 28-16 on Sunday and split their two matches under the colors of Williams, 60, who, according to Dorsey, would have provided more than stability.
"I've always believed that you play as you do and I think these practices have been very competitive," Dorsey said. "They were very structured, very disciplined and the guys had a little energy and that's the difference I see.We have focused on the little things that I think are important."
Williams previously worked as a head coach at Buffalo from 2001 to 2003. He was also a defensive coordinator in New Orleans from 2009 to 2011, when he led a group that had won the Super Bowl but was also involved in the scandal "Bountygate" which had suspended a season of the NFL.
In addition to Williams, Dorsey was delighted with the way the Cleveland offensive was led by half-strength coach Freddie Kitchens, who took over the call when coordinator Todd Haley took the lead. was sacked the same day as Jackson. Dorsey would not speculate on Kitchens' future with the team, but said he "had done a hell of a job."
Dorsey would not say who else in the High Cleveland leadership team will help him find a coach, but he was adamant: the Browns will not hire an outside firm, this that owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam have done in the past.
"We do not need that," he said curtly.
Dorsey was discreet about other aspects of the research, especially about whether he would agree to hire a university coach with no work experience. However, he stressed the traits that he is looking for in a new coach.
"For me personally, I would like to see a man of character," he said. "I'd like to see a man capable of leading young men." I'd like a man who has a keen sense of football, these are the three basic things I'm looking for. "
Dorsey promised to keep quiet about the searches, as he had done earlier this year, when he had kept Cleveland's first secret choice before choosing quarterback Baker Mayfield.
This selection is one of the reasons why Dorsey believes the Cleveland coaching position is so appealing. Mayfield is showing signs of growth, and with running back Nick Chubb, defensive wing Myles Garrett, wide receiver Jarvis Landry and others, the Browns are a talented core of young players. The Browns also have close to $ 60 million in salary space, an enraged fan base, 11 draft picks in 2019 and dedicated owners determined to win.
"These are exciting things for the future of this organization," he said. "No matter who, once they understand that, you'll see, you know what? Cleveland is a good place to be."
NOTES: Dorsey does not have much to say about Jackson coming back to Cincinnati as a special assistant to Bengals coach Marvin Lewis. "I wish him the best," he says. "It was tough two weeks ago." … Dorsey would not say if he intends to interview former Arizona coach Bruce Arians, who is retired and doing television scans but who has expressed interest in opening Cleveland. "I have a lot of respect for coach Arians," said Dorsey. "Right now, we are finalizing our plan.If the timing is right and it turns out to be one of these people, you will know it."
More NFL AP: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL
Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, disseminated, rewritten or redistributed.
[ad_2]
Source link