Close your eyes and imagine the modern NFL’s brightest minds all wearing the same polo…not for a powerhouse like Kansas City or Philadelphia, but for the 2014 Cleveland Browns.
New Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley pointed out to league insider Peter Schrager that the 2014 Browns staff under Mike Pettine, wasn’t just a coaching unit; it was an accidental incubator for the next decade of NFL dominance. While the 2015 Washington staff usually gets all the “what if” glory, Cleveland’s room was arguably deeper. Look at the roster:
Kyle Shanahan (Offensive Coordinator)
Mike McDaniel (Wide Receivers)
Aaron Glenn (Asst. Defensive Backs)
Jeff Hafley (Defensive Backs)
Anthony Weaver (Defensive Line)
Bobby Babich (Asst. Defensive Backs)
Mike LaFleur (Offensive Intern)
So, how did a group with this much “big brain” energy finish 7-9? Pure, unadulterated dysfunction. While these future gurus were trying to build a contender, the front office was actively sabotaging them.
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GM Ray Farmer was caught texting the sidelines to try and force the unprepared Johnny Manziel into games, a move that eventually got him suspended. It became so toxic that Kyle Shanahan famously demanded his release by handing owner Jimmy Haslam a 32-point PowerPoint presentation detailing exactly why the organization was a sinking ship.
Cleveland didn’t just lose a season in 2014, they let the blueprint for the modern NFL walk out the door because they couldn’t get out of their own way.
Where are they now?
Coach2014 RoleCurrent 2026 RoleKyle ShanahanOffensive CoordinatorHead Coach, San Francisco 49ersMike McDanielWide ReceiversOffensive Coordinator, L.A. Chargers (Former Dolphins HC)Aaron GlennAsst. Defensive BacksHead Coach, New York JetsJeff HafleyDefensive BacksHead Coach, Miami DolphinsMike LaFleurOffensive InternHead Coach, Arizona CardinalsAnthony WeaverDefensive LineDefensive Coordinator, Baltimore RavensBobby BabichAsst. Defensive BacksDefensive Coordinator, Buffalo Bills
Looking back, Mike Pettine accidentally assembled possibly the greatest coaching tree on one staff in NFL history.
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