Tension reportedly high between Browns front office, coaching staff
By Scott Sargent
In what serves to merely corroborate something that only the most devout apologists of the Cleveland Browns can deny, The OBR published an exclusive look at the tension occurring inside the walls of Berea. A subscription-based piece, The OBR’s Lane Adkins reports verbatim quotes from a source inside the Browns’ facility, painting a bleak picture when it comes to the coaching staff and front office being on the same page.
The following comes directly from The OBR, edited for clarity.
“There are many in this building that believe the [head coach] gets too personal, too invested in his beliefs and immediacy to take necessary steps with some younger talent which may not be what he wants.
“Pettine never wanted [Johnny] Manziel from [Day 1]. He certainly didn’t want him, did not want to deal with bringing him along after Manziel’s issues in his first season. Pettine was directly involved in [Justin] Gilbert being here, but was turned-off rather quickly, didn’t like how immature the young man was and he’s never been too receptive in seeing the young man through. You see this type of issue throughout the ‘playing’ roster.
“Pettine plays who he wants, when he wants and how he wants, which is within his rights — some within these walls believe that may not be what is in the best interests of the Cleveland Browns as an organization overall. Some in this building believe Pettine has made some playing decisions to spite Farmer.”
There is a bevy of additional thoughts, all of which paint Mike Pettine as an individual who plays favorites in both player-snap decisions as well as the coaching staff. The individual discusses the mysterious case surrounding Dwayne Bowe (Pettine was immediately turned off by what was a legitimate injury) as well as why the team continues to trot Nate Orchard out on to the field when Barkevious Mingo is lightyears ahead of him. And if you’re wondering if Jimmy Haslam is aware, the answer is a definitive yes. Based on the quotes above, you can imagine what side he’s on.
The entire piece is worthy of your time as we’ve only quoted about a quarter of what was said. The OBR followed up later with a statement that there is plenty more to come. If there’s any large takeaway, it would appear that doing things “like a Brown” carries much beyond the playing field as the in-fighting within the office is just more of the same.
More from Waiting For Next Year:
