The Cleveland Browns’ search for a new head coach is drawing national scrutiny as questions mount about the team’s direction, roster construction, and long‑term stability. The vacancy has quickly become one of the most debated openings of the offseason, with analysts pointing to a combination of on‑field uncertainty and organizational strain.
Browns’ Next Coach Inherits Major Organizational Challenges
Former Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III is among those sounding the alarm, calling the Browns’ job the worst in the league and possibly the worst in NFL history. He outlined his concerns in a recent social media post, citing what he described as three major issues that would make the position difficult for any incoming coach.
“The Cleveland Browns have the worst head coaching vacancy in the NFL, by far. Maybe even [the worst] in NFL history for three reasons,” Griffin said. He began with the team’s unsettled quarterback situation, which he argued creates the steepest challenge for any new staff.
“One, the quarterback situation is absolutely atrocious. Deshaun Watson is coming off yet another injury, you owe him $46 million, so what are you going to do with him? Dillon Gabriel was your higher draft pick this past season and you got him sitting on the bench behind Shedeur Sanders, who most of the team wants to be the starter.”
The Cleveland Browns Head Coaching Vacancy is the worst in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/ButgcLYl3H
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) January 8, 2026
Watson’s injuries and contract have been central points of debate, while Sanders and Gabriel represent competing developmental prospects for a franchise still searching for stability under center.
Griffin then pointed to what he described as the organization’s long-running dysfunction, noting how past decisions continue to shape the current landscape.
“Two, it is one of the most historically dysfunctional franchises in the league. Kevin Stefanski wanted Watson as his quarterback. He wanted him so badly that he was willing to get rid of Baker Mayfield who is now the franchise quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.”
Stefanski’s departure leaves Cleveland searching for its fifth head coach since 2018, a turnover rate that has only intensified concerns about the team’s direction and long-term vision.
Griffin’s final concern centered on the front office, specifically General Manager Andrew Berry, whose future he believes is tied directly to the next coaching hire.
“And number three, you are going to have to answer to a GM in Andrew Berry who is now on the hot seat. The Browns have only won eight games in the last two years.”
He also offered his own blueprint for how the next coach should handle the roster.
Griffin concluded, “If I was the next head coach of the Browns, I would keep Sanders and build around him. I would trade Gabriel and tell Watson, ‘see you later.'”
Cleveland’s search is expected to draw significant attention as candidates weigh the challenges Griffin highlighted against the opportunity to reshape a franchise still trying to establish a winning culture. The team, however, needs to determine its attacking approach. They stand dead last in PFSN Offense Impact at the 32nd rank.
