The NFL head coach carousel has once again been spun with the Bills firing one of the biggest names, Sean McDermott. Does this open up an opportunity for the Browns?

It wouldn't be surprising if the Browns jump right in to at least explore the idea. But the only thing working in favor of the chances of McDermott coming to Cleveland is the history between the two.

When the Browns were looking for a new head coach back in 2016, McDermott was one of the candidates to interview, though the team settled on Hue Jackson. But Browns' insider Mary Kay Cabot has said in her report that Andrew Berry wanted the former Bills head coach.

"Former Browns Chief Strategy Officer Paul DePodesta, former GM Sashi Brown (now Ravens president) and Andrew Berry, then-Browns vice president of player personnel and GM, preferred McDermott. But Browns ownership, led by Jimmy Haslam, favored Jackson."

As per ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, "McDermott told his staff today that he intends to continue coaching." So Berry might want to try again, but this time the decision might not be upto the Browns.

A lot will depend on Sean McDermott

There is a big gap in the quality of football between the Bills and the Browns. The former has 8 wins in the playoffs since McDermott joined in 2017. The Cleveland Browns have made it to the playoffs only 2 times in the past 24 years.

This disparity matters, especially for a coach who has already built a consistent winner. But then again, if he does join the Browns, there's a chance he might do what he did with Josh Allen. He had a passer rating of 67.9 with 2,074 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 12 games in his rookie season in 2018.

Not much better than Shedeur Sanders recording a passer rating of 68.1 with 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 8 games. McDermott led Allen to an MVP and moulded him among the best in the league. Can he do the same with Sanders?

That is for time and talent to answer, and also his position in the team next season. Plus, Sean McDermott has never won a Super Bowl.

Can the Browns end that drought? Yet, the more concerning news for the Browns fans is that he might end up with their divisional rivals.

Sean McDermott Might End Up With AFC North Rivals

The AFC North could soon be turning into a hotspot for coaching-related changes. The Browns, Ravens, and Steelers, all three of them are searching for a new head coach. Insiders have said there are chances that the former Bills' HC might end up with the Steelers.

NFL insider Tom Pelissero, speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, warned about the teams to watch out for.

"Teams to watch for Sean McDermott, potentially the Steelers, although that would be outside their normal bucket of who they like to hire. Baltimore is certainly one that I could see making a lot of sense."

What also works in their favor is that McDermott and former Steelers' HC, Mike Tomlin are good friends, having played together in college. They’re often spotted catching up whenever the Steelers and Bills face off.

If he is interested, he could turn to Tomlin for advice about the team and the city. He can even potentially ask him to advocate on his behalf.

While one cannot deny the chances of him coming to the Browns, they are definitely low.

Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Joyita Das