The Cleveland Browns appear to be nearing the end of their head coaching search-an offseason storyline that’s become all too familiar in recent years. While the NFL gears up for its final act of the season with the Super Bowl just around the corner, the Browns are still working to set the foundation for their next chapter. And when you look around the league at teams that have found sustained success-the Patriots, Broncos, Rams, and Seahawks-you start to see a blueprint that Cleveland is still trying to follow.
What do those franchises have in common? A mix of coaching stability, high-end quarterback talent, and, interestingly enough, a surprising number of former Browns players sprinkled across their rosters. It's a reminder that while Cleveland has struggled to put the whole puzzle together, individual pieces have shown value elsewhere.
Take the coaching angle first. Whether it’s the youthful energy of Sean McVay, the experience of Sean Payton, or the balanced approach of someone like Mike Vrabel, there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to leading a team. What matters is fit, vision, and the ability to develop and maximize talent-especially at quarterback.
Speaking of quarterbacks, the trend is clear: these teams are built around signal-callers who were taken high in the draft. We're talking about:
- Matthew Stafford, the No. 1 overall pick
- Sam Darnold, taken third overall
- Drake Maye, also a No. 3 pick
- Bo Nix, who went 12th overall before suffering an injury
The message? If you want to compete at the highest level in today’s NFL, you need a quarterback with pedigree-and a coaching staff that knows how to unlock that potential.
On Saturday, the Patriots added another familiar name to their AFC Championship roster: D’Ernest Johnson. Elevated from the practice squad, Johnson’s journey is one of the more unique stories in recent Browns memory.
He made Cleveland’s roster in 2019 after a stint in the AAF and, yes, a stretch where he was literally out on a fishing boat catching mahi mahi. From there, he carved out a role through sheer grit.
His breakout came in 2021, when he rushed for 534 yards and three touchdowns on 100 carries. That season, he showed he could be more than just a depth piece-he was a legitimate contributor when given the opportunity.
Since leaving Cleveland, Johnson has bounced around the league, spending time with the Jaguars and Cardinals before landing in New England. He’s evolved into a dependable special teams asset, particularly as a kick returner, and continues to find ways to contribute in meaningful moments.
It’s a testament to the kind of players Cleveland has unearthed over the years-guys who may not have stuck long-term in orange and brown, but who’ve proven they belong in the league.
As the Browns search for their next head coach, the examples are all around them. Coaching matters.
Quarterbacks matter. And sometimes, the players you let walk end up playing key roles on teams that are still playing deep into January.
The challenge now is finding the leadership and vision to bring all those elements together in Cleveland-for good.