Bleacher Bums Forum

Freddie Kitchens never had the opportunity to audition as HC.  But Cleveland could not let him go after his promotion from RB coach to OC because of decent production from rookie Mayfield.  Kitchens flamed out.  Former LB coach Antonio Pierce rallied the Raiders to be in the hunt after McDaniels lost to the Bears.  Now he looks like one and done as well.  The difference between Thomas Brown and those 2 are his offensive tutelage under McVay, his solid reputation among players that remained intact even after the Panthers disaster, and that he actually gets a 5 week trial at doing the job.  If TB proves his worth both in developing Caleb, being an accountable leader who can execute the basics of clock management and late game strategies, and actually wins divisional games then you pull the trigger and maybe upgrade the DC to someone who was already a HC.

Sure Ben Johnson could be the next McVay and Shanny.  He could also be the next Nagy and Daboll.  You just don't know.  Frankly he is the only OC I would be ok with.  Josh Allen carried Joe Brady like he carried Daboll so hard pass on yet another Armstrong client.  Maybe the Bears could hire an experienced HC (Vrabel, Stefanski if let go) who isn't mentally retired or recommended by outside consultants who are half dead.  A third very long shot option if it presents itself...trade for Shanny or McVay.