Haslam era starts off with a BANG!

Joe Marcotte October 16, 2012 at 07:25 pm

A couple of related things to add: 1.) There are reports that Holmgren asked Lerner for a lesser role at the beginning of the year. It's thought that he wasn't necessarily pushed out but rather saw it as good timing to step down since he wanted a lesser role anyways. So Haslam didn't necessarily go back on his word if those reports are correct. 2.) Why in the world would they keep Heckert, and why wouldn't they let him go now if there is a good chance he's not going to be back? The vast majority of his work right now is for next year anyways. Plus he reportedly said that he doesn't think he'll be back...should say a lot about his relationship with Banner.
Shurmur is obviously gone...not one team in the NFL interviewed him for a head coaching job besides the Browns and he lost 11 straight games in the middle of his tenure. I like the change overall. It's just like a lot of Browns moves lately...you can't get ANY worse than what you had so might as well change it. You can't get worse than Lerner...is he still paying Carmen Policy? Worst hires at the top ever since '99. I don't want to hear any positives about the guy those were all his decisions at the top no matter how hands off he was. I have a fear though. With Reid on the hotseat and the Banner ties...I will die if we end up with Reid. At this point in his career he is a bottom 3 HC in the league in my opinion.

Justin Waite October 16, 2012 at 07:48 pm

Joe - you bring up a great point on Heckert. Whether you love him or hate him as a fan - if they have decided he is out the door, they best do it now. Bring in whoever your guy is and start accessing current talent/needs right now!!

Tom Hawkins October 17, 2012 at 05:50 pm

Joe, Haslem and Banner have both said no changes until after the season is over. While chnage may be coming, having stability unless until the end of the season allows everyone to focus on the job at hand, winning games. Based upon the fact this past off season the three leaders were not on the same page as to who would be the starting quarterback all three need to be gone. The only way Shurmur will be the coach next year is if the team wins six more games and is in the other four up to the end.

Jack Kelly October 18, 2012 at 12:56 pm

I completely agree with your comment about stability until the end of the season. What would be the purpose of making a change now? It wouldn't really make sense at this point.
I haven't given a crap about the Browns' for many years (the owners certainly didn't so why should I?), but I like what I see with Haslam. I might start giving them my attention next season.

Garry Kanter October 18, 2012 at 01:02 pm

NOW IT CAN BE TOLD: The NFL has been running the Browns ever since Holmgren got here.
Mission Accomplished.

Justin Waite October 18, 2012 at 01:17 pm

Tom - I agree, I think Pat Shurmur could potentially save his job if he wins a handful more games this year. However, we all know that isn't the going to be the most likely scenario. Guess we'll have to see, we definitely have some winnable games left. This week against the Colts, the Chargers are also beatable... the Steelers aren't scaring anyone this year and the Ravens are beat up on Defense. Keep in mind, we almost beat them in Baltimore when they were healthy! I feel like this team really is on the verge of a winning season.
Jack, very interesting perspective. I think it's funny that you stopped watching the Browns because the Lerner family didn't seem to care. I wish I would've done the same, it's been a lot of painful seasons. I agree with your outlook on Haslam. He says ALL the right things. I really like that he always talks about his greatest assets being the 'people' and I think he really gets it! Only time will tell...

Murphy-Solon October 18, 2012 at 01:39 pm

Heckert should stay. I think the biggest difference going forward will be on offense. Like Jerry Jones, Haslam understands the he is offering an entertainment product. The era of the stud receiver will be coming to Cleveland. So long Mohammed Massaquoi ( sp) . I'm not suggesting that Haslam will interfere like Jerry Jones, just saying that Haslam will be all about the entertainment experience on and off the field. Larger video screens........whoopee

Justin Waite October 18, 2012 at 01:54 pm

Murphy you are right about that! He definitely understand the link between superstar players and putting butts in the seats. I hope he takes care of Season Ticket holders. Perhaps discounted beef jerky and gas discounts and Pilot Travel Centers? (j/k) Seriously though, if he can enhance the gameday experience for season ticket holders, I'd likely make a run at season tickets. which I something I would have never even considered under the Lerner family.

Murphy-Solon October 18, 2012 at 02:01 pm

Well Justin, I have been a season ticket holder for years. The video screens are puny and they don't show that many replays. I don't expect the price of beer to go down. They are now charging $9 for a 12 ounce cup of beer. I get my fill before the game and drink soda during the game. Haslam just paid one billion bucks for the team so our claim to the lowest ticket prices in the NFL will soon disappear.