Why the Cleveland Browns Didn’t Fire Head Coach Hue Jackson in 2016

In 2016, the Cleveland Browns managed to avoid the drastic step of firing Head Coach Hue Jackson despite their 1-win, 15-loss record. This decision was influenced by several factors, ranging from ownership support to the broader issues of the franchise's corporate culture.

Ownership Support

Leading the Browns' ownership was Jimmy Haslam, who stood by Hue Jackson. Despite the team's struggles, Haslam believed in Jackson's ability to turn the franchise around. Ownership expressed strong support for Jackson, viewing him as a figure who could offer stability and continuity—a key element during the Browns' phase of rebuilding.

Rebuilding Phase

The Browns were in a period of rebuilding after experiencing numerous changes in both the head coaching and front office roles over the years. Jackson was seen as capable of providing the stability and continuity that a rebuilding team requires. The organization aimed to see long-term growth rather than immediate results, aligning with Jackson's vision for the team.

Hope for Improvement

Following Jackson's strong reputation as an offensive mind, there was optimism that he could develop the young talent on the roster. There was a belief that his strategies and methods could eventually lead to an improvement in the team's performance. The team's focus was on long-term growth and improvement, rather than immediate success.

Record Context

The 1-15 record of the team in 2016 was largely attributed to factors outside of Jackson's control, including injuries and a lack of depth. The Browns struggled with injuries that affected critical players, impacting the team's performance. The organization believed that addressing these issues would lead to better results in the future.

Stability and Future Potential

The decision to retain Jackson was guided by a desire to maintain stability and a belief in his potential to improve the team's performance over time. Despite the disappointing season, the team's management was willing to give Jackson more time to develop the young players and implement his strategies.

Broader Issues of Corporate Culture

While Jackson was not the main cause of the team's struggles, deeper issues with the corporate culture were identified. The Browns have a long-standing history of ineptitude, with numerous wrong drafts and failed coaching and general management decisions. The franchise has experienced only one winning season in the past 20 years, leading to a turnover of coaches and executives.

Examples include:

Carmen Policy, a former 49ers assistant, struggled in Cleveland after a couple of years. Mike Holmgren, known for his success with the Seattle Seahawks, was forced to leave Cleveland after just two years. Jeff Garcia, a former Pro Bowl quarterback, had a short-lived career in Cleveland. The team's draft history is riddled with busts, including Tim Couch and Kellen Winslow.

Positive Developments and Forward-Looking Strategies

Despite these challenges, the Browns have seen some positive developments in recent years. In 2015, they drafted a promising player in Joe Thomas and later brought in Paul DePodesta, a baseball executive known for his innovative approach to player evaluation and development. DePodesta's background in baseball could bring new insights to the NFL, enhancing the team's talent evaluation and development strategies.

The franchise is aware that changing a culture takes time, similar to what Reggie McKenzie and Al Davis did with the Oakland Raiders. Jackson's first year may not have yielded the desired outcomes, but the team's leadership is willing to provide him the necessary time to turn the team around.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Cleveland Browns did not fire Hue Jackson in 2016 due to a combination of ownership support, a rebuilding phase, and the hope for future improvement. While the franchise faces deeper cultural issues, the decision to retain Jackson reflects a long-term vision for success. The road to improvement may take time, but the team is taking the necessary steps to address its challenges and build a winning culture.