Random Thoughts, NFL, Browns and more

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

The final 2019 edition of Random Thoughts centers around the brutal world of NFL coaching, the Browns coaching search, the Cleveland job in general, the Colts quarterback situation, the college football playoff and local high school basketball.

The axe has swung

When you’re an NFL coach, the question isn’t if you’ll get fired, but when. Yes, there are rare exceptions (Bill Belichick) but the overwhelming majority of coaches are shown the door at some point.

Cleveland wasted no time booting Freddie Kitchens. The Giants waited until Monday morning to axe Pat Shurmur. It won’t be shocking to see Jason Garrett follow suit.

The coaching carousel has begun.

Browns coaching search

As a Browns fan, I’d like ask this – can we please stop with the Urban Meyer coaching the Browns rumors?

Why in the world would Meyer want to coach for such a dysfunctional organization? This guy wants to manage his health problems, not create more.

For Cleveland, this isn’t the time to experiment with someone who has zero pro coaching experience.

Here’s another name that’s popped up: New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. His name seems to be on everyone’s list each season.

Why in the world would the Browns, or any team for that matter, want to hire a guy who agreed to be the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts last February, only to change his mind later in the day?

Without knowing any of the behind the scenes details, that just sounds flaky. Why would a team put their trust in a guy that bailed from a job in less than 24 hours?

No thanks, although in fairness, someone pointed out to me that Bill Belichick bailed the Jets for the Patriots.

How appealing is it?

I’ll get off my high horse about the Browns after this point.

How appealing is the job? Yes, there’s some young talent to work with, but how appealing is it to work for the current ownership? As I mentioned earlier, this organization appears to be dysfunctional, perhaps highly dysfunctional.

Ownership has been very disappointing. The Haslams were minority owners of the Steelers before buying the Browns. I had hoped they learned a thing or two about winning in a small NFL market, but obviously that didn’t happen.

It has to get better at some point, right?

College football playoff

Anyone clamoring for an eight team playoff needs to look at this year’s mismatch between No. 1 seed LSU and No. 4 Oklahoma.

Does anyone think seeds 5-8 would have stood a better chance?

High school hoops

Here’s hoping the 2020 portion of the schedule is more kind to Van Wert County basketball teams.

December was a bit rough, but I’d be willing to bet that brighter days are ahead.

Colts

I’ve mentioned this before and I’ll say it again – I suspect the Colts will be in the market for a different quarterback. Jacoby Brissett seems better suited as a backup. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I’d be surprised if the team doesn’t take a strong look at the current crop of draft eligible college quarterbacks.

Feature to return

The popular Coaches Corner feature will return next Wednesday and will run throughout the winter sports season.

Different local coaches in different winter sports will be featured each week.

If you have thoughts on any of the above subjects, feel free to email me at sports@thevwindependent.com.