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Opinion: Gregg Williams built case for Browns job, but he's likely not right long-term fit

Williams has amassed a 5-2 record since taking over as the Browns' interim head coach.
Credit: Jason Miller
Cleveland Browns interim coach Gregg Williams looks on during the second half against the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, on December 23, 2018.

The intrigue intensifies.

With a convincing win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, the Cleveland Browns continued their strong second-half surge. The victory improved the Browns’ record to 5-2 since the firing of Hue Jackson and 7-7-1 overall. That’s more wins than Cleveland has had in the last three seasons combined, and this young team is actually compelling to watch.

There’s a definite swagger to this group. It’s as strong, intentional and pronounced as a Baker Mayfield staredown, as cool as a Myles Garrett throwback playlist, as salty as a Gregg Williams tongue-lashing.

The playoffs no longer are a possibility for the Browns, but there’s still buzz about them as the season draws to a close and a crucial offseason begins.

Williams and these players have made things hard on general manager John Dorsey and owner Jimmy Haslam. After Sunday’s finale at Baltimore, the two must make figure out what to do about the head coaching position.

Together they must determine whether the franchise will be best served by removing the interim tag from Williams’ title and committing to him long-term or if the best man for the job remains outside the organization. A decision of this magnitude and complexity could define the next decade for the long-suffering franchise.

It’s easy to say Williams has this group playing well. He has helped energize this franchise and sparked a turnaround that has ensured that Cleveland will post its best record since the 10-6 campaign in 2007.

The long-time defensive coordinator should definitely receive consideration. But Dorsey and Haslam have to remove emotions from this situation. They have to ask themselves if this wave of success is sustainable and if continuity will breed the necessary strides that will transform Cleveland into legitimate contenders.

Chances are, although Cleveland has finished the year on a strong note, duplicating this success will prove more challenging next year. Opponents will pore over this season's film and pinpoint weaknesses to exploit. And it’s rare that an interim coach winds up being the long-term answer for teams.

It’s very possible that the decision-makers may conclude that while Williams was the man for the job of shepherding the Browns away from the Hue Jackson era, he’s not the guy to take Mayfield and Co. any further. Although Williams certainly has been good for Cleveland’s defense, the primary concern for this organization is the development of its quarterback.

Mayfield has had a fine rookie season, throwing 24 touchdown passes – third-most by a rookie since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970. He has completed nearly 65 percent of his passes for 3,349 yards while posting quarterback rating of 95.1 and a 6-6 record as a starter. Interim offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens’ play-calling has positioned Mayfield and his unit for success.

But Browns brass now must figure out how to take him to the next level.

Mayfield needs a teacher who can further develop his decision-making process. He requires someone to help him refine his skills and make him a masterful manipulator of defenses.

Look for the Browns give former Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy strong consideration for the job. In fact, people familiar with Dorsey’s thinking, speaking to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the team has not interviewed any candidates yet, believe that McCarthy is the GM’s top choice for the job if he gets to make the call. A year ago, when he joined Cleveland’s staff, Dorsey wanted to replace Jackson, but was told to give him another year. That makes it hard to determine just how much latitude the general manager will have this time around.

But there’s no denying McCarthy - the owner of a 125-77 career record with a Super Bowl ring and nine playoff appearances – has a strong track record with quarterbacks, including Brett Favre, to whom Mayfield has drawn comparisons, and Aaron Rodgers.

McCarthy’s message grew stale in Green Bay, and his offense became unimaginative. But the fit might be right for both sides. And given the strong relationship the two share from their time in Green Bay, Dorsey’s opinion of McCarthy hasn’t wavered despite the Packers’ struggles the last two seasons.

His experience and knowledge could be just the thing for Mayfield and the Browns.

Continuity is big for a young quarterback, so shifting away from Kitchens’ approach could create growing pains for Mayfield. It’s possible the Browns could try to retain his services despite bringing in another coach. That’s certainly not a given, however, and if the Browns believe that McCarthy or another coach could take what Mayfield does well now and further elevate his game, then they would make such a change because of the bigger payoff.

Follow Mike Jones on Twitter @ByMikeJones.

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