The Blue Print for Browns Success is Right Here

[Captain Cheesedick]

Here in Cleveland we recently changed to a type of government based on the example of Pittsburgh, finally passed a casino issue (3 years after Pittsburgh), and now we should base how the Browns are built by how Pittsburgh does it.

 

By Clark Judge, CBSSports.com

 

There is one element that separates the Pittsburgh Steelers from the field, and it's not Ben Roethlisberger, Troy Polamalu or James Harrison. Nope, it's continuity. The Steelers not only believe in it; they practice it, with more patience than most of their competitors combined.

 

And look where it has them: In their third Super Bowl in six seasons.

 

If familiarity breeds contempt, then continuity breeds success. Look at the four most successful franchises the past decade -- Indianapolis, New England, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh -- and tell me what they have in common besides franchise quarterbacks. Yep, they don't blow up their buildings at the first sign of distress.

 

The Colts have changed head coaches once in the past nine years, and only because no one could talk Tony Dungy out of retirement. The Patriots haven't changed their head coach in more than a decade. Neither have the Eagles. And Pittsburgh? The Steelers have had two head coaches the past 19 years and three the past four decades.

 

By contrast, San Francisco has been through three head coaches the past two months. It also hasn't had a winning season since 2002.

 

Change is good ... except when it comes to the NFL. You can argue that this is a chicken-or-the-egg thing, with the question: Does success breed continuity or does continuity breed success? But you cannot argue that tearing up the company's ground floor every two or three years does anything but keep a franchise in limbo.

 

"I'd say that success breeds continuity," said one GM. "The teams that have continuity have success, usually early in a coach's career. And if they don't, owners tend to want to blow things up -- especially the new owners, where it's all about money.

 

"The teams that are the most patient are small-market clubs where there's not a lot of money or teams where their owners have been in the league a long time -- and Pittsburgh is both. They [the Steelers] understand what the league is all about.

 

"But the new owners ... they run their franchises like they run their businesses. And when they don't have immediate success ... when they don’t make a lot of money quickly ... they want to make changes. So they do it."

 

Exhibit A: The Washington Redskins. They went to the divisional round of the playoffs in 1999, then fired coach Norv Turner when they were sitting at 7-6 the following season. They lost two of their next three under interim coach Terry Robiskie before moving on to five head coaches -- including Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs -- with less-than-satisfactory results. During the past decade, Washington is 68-92, with just two winning seasons.

 

Exhibit B: The Cleveland Browns. Since returning to the NFL in 1999, they've been through five head coaches, with Eric Mangini fired this month after two seasons. The Browns went to the playoffs once and have a combined record of 64-128. I know what you're thinking: Yeah? That's why they fired those coaches. They stunk. Maybe. Except Pittsburgh didn't fire Bill Cowher after he went 7-9 and 6-10 in back-to-back seasons. Tennessee didn't fire Jeff Fisher after he went 9-23 in 2004-05, either. And Philadelphia didn't fire Andy Reid after he slumped to 6-10 in 2005.

 

Logic says that a club like Pittsburgh resists knee-jerk moves because, well, why change when you're winning? Good question. Except the Steelers didn't always win. They were 7-9 in 1985, 6-10 in '86, 8-7 in '87 and 5-11 in '88. Yet they never flinched, keeping Chuck Noll as their head coach. Tell me where that happens today.

 

In most other places coaches are on the clock. But Pittsburgh is not most places, and, yes, the Steelers have a system that finds coaches and players who fit, the best defensive coordinator on the planet and one of the sharpest GMs in the league. But, in Dan Rooney, they have an owner who gives his coaches time -- and plenty of it -- to prove themselves and shape their programs, and that support, patience and allegiance pay off.

 

"It's huge," said an AFC head coach, "because it creates tremendous efficiency. Everyone in the organization knows what he's looking for. The scouts. The coaches. Everyone. They all know what a Steeler player looks like, so they pick up guys that fit ... basically because everyone knows what fits. You don't have to debate and dissect a player. You look at their 20 highest-paid players, and they're all draft picks. That's no coincidence.

 

"As a coach, when you work for a club like the Steelers you make decisions based on what is best for the organization and the team because you know you're going be there. But when you don't, you do what you can to save your job, often making quick-fix and short-sighted decisions. That's not the way in Pittsburgh."

 

So we noticed. Granted, Pittsburgh doesn't pay its coaches like they do in, say, Washington or Dallas, but tell me where the security and job satisfaction are greater, the ownership is more supportive and the continuity is stronger. Tell me where there are more Lombardi Trophies, too.

 

Now tell me all they're not related because they are.

[Harry Buffalo]

Here in Cleveland we recently changed to a type of government based on the example of Pittsburgh, finally passed a casino issue (3 years after Pittsburgh), and now we should base how the Browns are built by how Pittsburgh does it.

 

By Clark Judge, CBSSports.com

 

There is one element that separates the Pittsburgh Steelers from the field, and it's not Ben Roethlisberger, Troy Polamalu or James Harrison. Nope, it's continuity. The Steelers not only believe in it; they practice it, with more patience than most of their competitors combined.

 

And look where it has them: In their third Super Bowl in six seasons.

 

If familiarity breeds contempt, then continuity breeds success. Look at the four most successful franchises the past decade -- Indianapolis, New England, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh -- and tell me what they have in common besides franchise quarterbacks. Yep, they don't blow up their buildings at the first sign of distress.

 

The Colts have changed head coaches once in the past nine years, and only because no one could talk Tony Dungy out of retirement. The Patriots haven't changed their head coach in more than a decade. Neither have the Eagles. And Pittsburgh? The Steelers have had two head coaches the past 19 years and three the past four decades.

 

By contrast, San Francisco has been through three head coaches the past two months. It also hasn't had a winning season since 2002.

 

Change is good ... except when it comes to the NFL. You can argue that this is a chicken-or-the-egg thing, with the question: Does success breed continuity or does continuity breed success? But you cannot argue that tearing up the company's ground floor every two or three years does anything but keep a franchise in limbo.

 

"I'd say that success breeds continuity," said one GM. "The teams that have continuity have success, usually early in a coach's career. And if they don't, owners tend to want to blow things up -- especially the new owners, where it's all about money.

 

"The teams that are the most patient are small-market clubs where there's not a lot of money or teams where their owners have been in the league a long time -- and Pittsburgh is both. They [the Steelers] understand what the league is all about.

 

"But the new owners ... they run their franchises like they run their businesses. And when they don't have immediate success ... when they don’t make a lot of money quickly ... they want to make changes. So they do it."

 

Exhibit A: The Washington Redskins. They went to the divisional round of the playoffs in 1999, then fired coach Norv Turner when they were sitting at 7-6 the following season. They lost two of their next three under interim coach Terry Robiskie before moving on to five head coaches -- including Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs -- with less-than-satisfactory results. During the past decade, Washington is 68-92, with just two winning seasons.

 

Exhibit B: The Cleveland Browns. Since returning to the NFL in 1999, they've been through five head coaches, with Eric Mangini fired this month after two seasons. The Browns went to the playoffs once and have a combined record of 64-128. I know what you're thinking: Yeah? That's why they fired those coaches. They stunk. Maybe. Except Pittsburgh didn't fire Bill Cowher after he went 7-9 and 6-10 in back-to-back seasons. Tennessee didn't fire Jeff Fisher after he went 9-23 in 2004-05, either. And Philadelphia didn't fire Andy Reid after he slumped to 6-10 in 2005.

 

Logic says that a club like Pittsburgh resists knee-jerk moves because, well, why change when you're winning? Good question. Except the Steelers didn't always win. They were 7-9 in 1985, 6-10 in '86, 8-7 in '87 and 5-11 in '88. Yet they never flinched, keeping Chuck Noll as their head coach. Tell me where that happens today.

 

In most other places coaches are on the clock. But Pittsburgh is not most places, and, yes, the Steelers have a system that finds coaches and players who fit, the best defensive coordinator on the planet and one of the sharpest GMs in the league. But, in Dan Rooney, they have an owner who gives his coaches time -- and plenty of it -- to prove themselves and shape their programs, and that support, patience and allegiance pay off.

 

"It's huge," said an AFC head coach, "because it creates tremendous efficiency. Everyone in the organization knows what he's looking for. The scouts. The coaches. Everyone. They all know what a Steeler player looks like, so they pick up guys that fit ... basically because everyone knows what fits. You don't have to debate and dissect a player. You look at their 20 highest-paid players, and they're all draft picks. That's no coincidence.

 

"As a coach, when you work for a club like the Steelers you make decisions based on what is best for the organization and the team because you know you're going be there. But when you don't, you do what you can to save your job, often making quick-fix and short-sighted decisions. That's not the way in Pittsburgh."

 

So we noticed. Granted, Pittsburgh doesn't pay its coaches like they do in, say, Washington or Dallas, but tell me where the security and job satisfaction are greater, the ownership is more supportive and the continuity is stronger. Tell me where there are more Lombardi Trophies, too.

 

Now tell me all they're not related because they are.

 

All good points. It makes me laugh a little because someone dug up a topic where they took Rooney qoutes that made them think Tomlin was going to get fired if he had another non playoff season this year and the fact of the matter is it wouldn't happen. The Steelers could have a losing record 5 years in a row and they wouldn't start thinking about a coaching change. It's easier to win when you have a familar system and coach that stays on a team. Think if the Steelers won like they do but switched coaches every 3 years, even though they are winning there is a good chance you wouldn't see as many drafted players stay with the team just because of not being able to stick with just one coach.

[Squintz]

So it's all about continuity then?

 

Then why hasn't the Brown family and Marvin Lewis won multiple championships?

 

Continuity only works when you have the RIGHT FRONT OFFICE staff in place.

 

Everything else then falls into place.

 

 

We can only hope Holmgren is still here 15 years from now.

[hoorta]

So it's all about continuity then?

 

Then why hasn't the Brown family and Marvin Lewis won multiple championships?

 

Continuity only works when you have the RIGHT FRONT OFFICE staff in place.

 

Everything else then falls into place.

 

 

We can only hope Holmgren is still here 15 years from now.

 

Good point about the Bengals - and I'll tell you why. Because Mike Brown is the Owner AND General Manager- and unfortunately Mikey didn't inherit his dad's football smarts. The owner\GM thing can occasionally work- it did for Al Davis until he went senile, and Jerry Jones.

 

Other factors in the Bengals screwed up front office is he hired all his kids and relatives to key positions- whether they were qualified or not. Add in the guy really doesn't have the money to run with the Big Boys in the NFL anymore. Has the smallest scouting staff in the NFL, and is the only northern NFL team that doesn't have an indoor field to train under. Any wonder Carson Palmer wants out?

 

[DawgTracker]

So it's all about continuity then?

 

Then why hasn't the Brown family and Marvin Lewis won multiple championships?

 

Continuity only works when you have the RIGHT FRONT OFFICE staff in place.

 

Everything else then falls into place.

 

 

We can only hope Holmgren is still here 15 years from now.

 

Holmgren has proven nothing as an executive yet. When he won as a coach he had a ton of great players, probably several tons. You don't win with average players which was our problem last year and Holmgren knew it was an impossible situation. If Heckert brings us several tons of good players we will probably look a lot better.

 

[The Gipper]

The article quoted in the original post of this thread is not a news flash to me by any stretch of the imagination.

 

And there is no question that the Browns have been an ADD organization. As much in their front office personell as their coaches. We know all about the coaches we have had the last 5 years: Palmer, Davis, Crennell, Mangini, now Shurmur. But I think we have had more GMs than we have had HCs. Dwight Clark, Davis served as his own GM for a while, Savage, Mangini also got thrown into being his own GM, now Heckert and Holmgren, plus it seems like I am missing someone.

So, yes, the whole structure of the organization needs stability. Can we now maybe keep Holmgren/Heckert/Shurmur in place for a few years?

[The Gipper]

You missed Kokinis.

 

 

Right. Thanks. It has been such a revolving door we can't keep track.

[sisky fringo]

decent article. i agree with it and love it or hate it 2 years from now: let the continuity begin if at all merited. i'm all in. even if it takes a somber 4 years of climbing mediocrity to yield a decade of success (and beyond) there's no question. i think we'd all do it, but sooner rather than later for Pete's sake.

 

the last coach was expected to win with a rookie QB, let's see how this next guy can do in his 1st year with a potential future starter in place fast-forwarded to year 2.

or they will see him through, learn if he's not the guy (hopefully controversy free) over the course of an entire season as he gets all the reps with Sunday players...and feel confident about his future or content with turning the corner.

 

still a great scenario for a HC heading into year two, either your guy of the future has one year exp in your system or you know emphatically your focus is on finding that guy for now and for the future.

 

all the while Heckert is adding, subtracting, and otherwise attempting to stack your deck of players in your prescribed mold. i feel like Fonzie could be our HC and due to Heckert our talent is just going to continue to grow regardless, it's only a matter of which direction. for Fonzie, it would probably be nutball LB's and DLineman...which would be OK w me actually.

 

Mike may have let EM run it "his way" temporarily but i have serious doubts there was as much "support" as there could have been by a former coach of his stature. in hindsight there wasn't a single thing MH got credit for that Eric and Tom H. couldn't have done themselves, definitely including Wallace and Delholme.

 

so, i'm completely ready to see what MH brings to the Browns (cuz it sure wasn't accountability for his influence) and eager to see an organization in harmony from top to bottom, with copius amounts of past success and a slowly but surely growing roster of talent.

 

no more excuses.

[Pumpkin Eater]

So to follow the Squeeler blueprint all they need to do is hire Dr. Richard Rydze.

[miktoxic]

So it's all about continuity then?

 

Then why hasn't the Brown family and Marvin Lewis won multiple championships?

because lewis sucks.

 

Continuity only works when you have the RIGHT FRONT OFFICE staff in place.

 

bullshit. try having the right GM that knows how to draft talented players that stay on your team for more than 2 years and not firing a coach in two years when you need five years.

 

We can only hope Holmgren is still here 15 years from now.

 

you mean heckert. only thing holmgren has proven is that he can suck down a 12 pack of donuts with a gallon of eggnog on the side.

 

 

 

[Nw220]

Yeah i have alot more Faith in Heckert then ive had in anyone else thats been here for awhile, talent wins in this league so if we keep drafting smart then i dont care who coaches or how we get it done...The peices will be there

 

[Vagitron]

Yet the success of the franchise strictly hinges on Dick Lebeau according to Gipper. I was behind the "keep mangini" train last month because maintaining that continuity is paramount. Holmgren went a different direction and purposely brought in guys he's familiar with to some capacity. It could be the start of the mentioned continuity. Either way the article highlights EXACTLY why there isn't a Steeler demise in sight and why the Steelers are a model franchise. Love it or hate it, those are the facts.

[The Gipper]

Yet the success of the franchise strictly hinges on Dick Lebeau according to Gipper. I was behind the "keep mangini" train last month because maintaining that continuity is paramount. Holmgren went a different direction and purposely brought in guys he's familiar with to some capacity. It could be the start of the mentioned continuity. Either way the article highlights EXACTLY why there isn't a Steeler demise in sight and why the Steelers are a model franchise. Love it or hate it, those are the facts.

 

 

Here is a fact: The Steelers have not made a Super Bowl in which Dick LeBeau was not their Defensive Coordinator since the 1979 season.

 

Are they well organized and stable under Dan Rooney's ownership? No doubt. But the above fact remains a fact.

[Nw220]

Yeah Dick LeBeau is the Bread and Butter for Pitt, once hes gone they better find a pretty good replacement because theres no better...Plus if my memory serves me correct he was a Buckeye wasnt he

[Vagitron]

Here is a fact: The Steelers have not made a Super Bowl in which Dick LeBeau was not their Defensive Coordinator since the 1979 season.

 

Are they well organized and stable under Dan Rooney's ownership? No doubt. But the above fact remains a fact

.

 

All of which is ridiculously short sighted. Mike Tomlin is a GREAT, GREAT Coach, easily in the top 5 and I'd argue the top 2. Dick Lebeau is tremendous but he's not the only reason for the success the Franchise has had since his return. As far as a replacement is concerned we have one on the team already in Keith Butler. He's turned down a few jobs elsewhere to stay with the Steelers because the job has been "promised to him" after Lebeau retires. Tomlin is also a hell of a defensive mind in his own right. I'll wait for the "when Lebeau retires the Steelers are done threads" to crop up soon.

[miktoxic]

All of which is ridiculously short sighted. Mike Tomlin is a GREAT, GREAT Coach, easily in the top 5 and I'd argue the top 2.

 

now that's funny!

 

[Vagitron]

now that's funny!

 

Prove otherwise. Seriously outside of the Hoodie what Coach has been better? He's 100% in the top 5 and that much is unarguable. He dealt with the Ben suspension, all the off season drama, several key injuries AND followed a Hall of Fame Coach. He's going to now his second Super Bowl and the team hasn't missed a beat. He commands the locker room, commands the media and his players respect him. He kept what worked and made the rest his own. He's also had 4 solid drafts. I'd really like for you to make a argument otherwise or just do some digging of your own and read several of the major media rags saying the same damn thing. Tomlin is a damn good Coach. Period and top 5, arguably top 2 in the league. Seriously prove otherwise. I'll wait.

[Vagitron]

Prove otherwise. Seriously outside of the Hoodie what Coach has been better? He's 100% in the top 5 and that much is unarguable. He dealt with the Ben suspension, all the off season drama, several key injuries AND followed a Hall of Fame Coach. He's going to now his second Super Bowl and the team hasn't missed a beat. He commands the locker room, commands the media and his players respect him. He kept what worked and made the rest his own. He's also had 4 solid drafts. I'd really like for you to make a argument otherwise or just do some digging of your own and read several of the major media rags saying the same damn thing. Tomlin is a damn good Coach. Period and top 5, arguably top 2 in the league. Seriously prove otherwise. I'll wait.

 

Here's one. Read up.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/201...tory?id=6083284

[miktoxic]

Here's one. Read up.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/201...tory?id=6083284

i only got about two paragraphs into the article before i had to rush into the bathroom and lose the contents of my stomach. wow, i didn't no a reporter get his/her head up someone's ass as merrill has done with tomlin. puke!

 

although i'd much rather have a tomlin than a shurmer.

 

[Vagitron]

i only got about two paragraphs into the article before i had to rush into the bathroom and lose the contents of my stomach. wow, i didn't no a reporter get his/her head up someone's ass as merrill has done with tomlin. puke!

 

although i'd much rather have a tomlin than a shurmer.

 

 

Tomlin is a top 5 Coach in the NFL. Attempt to argue otherwise and the article is actually pretty interesting Steeler fan or not.