Greg Roman, Niners OC, to Interview with Browns
The Cleveland Browns let Kyle Shanahan walk but could replace him with Greg Roman, the San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator. The Browns will interview Roman on Monday according to reports:
Source: 49ers grant Browns permission to interview Greg Roman for offensive coordinator job. They're scheduled to meet Monday.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) January 10, 2015
Roman has been with the Niners, as the OC, since the start of the 2012 season. He worked under Jim Harbaugh at Stanford as well as in the Bay Area. Roman worked with the Panthers, Texans and Ravens in various capacities as well prior to this time at Stanford and then with the 49ers. Roman is still employed by the Niners, even after Harbaugh, was let go but it seems they are willing to let him move laterally as they continue their search for a new head coach. Here is the first full paragraph on Roman from the Niners’ webpage:
"Since his arrival to the club in 2011, Roman’s offense has been an unstoppable force, especially on the ground. In each of his three seasons calling the plays, the rushing attack has ranked in the top 10 in the NFL each season in total rushing yards – 3rd in 2013 (2,201 yards), 4th in 2012 (2,491 yards) and 8th in 2011 (2,044 yards). It is the first time since 2001-03 that a 49ers offense has ranked in the top 10 in the NFL three consecutive seasons in that category. The 6,736 rushing yards over his three seasons with the team is the 2nd most in the NFL over that time span."
A little bit of bluster, “unstoppable force,” backed up by some very interesting statistics. For Mike Pettine and Ray Farmer Roman is the perfect type of coordinator. Pettine and Farmer like a strong running game to help buttress the strong defense they have built. Roman’s offense is built around a rushing attack. He also has experience developing a young multi-threat quarterback from his time with Colin Kaepernick.
Roman’s offense seemed to fall off last season, one of the reasons he isn’t being talked about as a head coaching candidate, especially Kaepernick’s play. Last year the Niners continued to run the ball well, 4th in total rushing yards, but the passing game struggled, 30th in passing yards. For context, the Browns were 17th in rushing and 20th in passing.
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For Browns fans who are most concerned about throwing the ball more, or better, a Roman hire may not be as exciting. For Browns fans who want continuity finally it should be. Roman is the type of guy who fits with what the GM and HC want to do. Fit is vital in trying to make things work.
If Roman is hired it will be interesting how it impacts three Niners free agents. Frank Gore, Michael Crabtree and Mike Iupati all are free agents on the offensive side of the ball. We have already profiled both Gore and Iupati, before Shanahan was let go, as possible free agent targets for the Browns (Entire Profile List in New Window). Coaches like to bring in players they are familiar with and players like to go where they know they will be used, which could mean Crabtree is off the list.
Roman is a wanted man, which could make the process difficult for the Browns:
As reported elsewhere, @49ers OC Greg Roman will interview for same position with @STLouisRams & @browns. Meeting with @Jaguars today
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) January 10, 2015
The Browns have just started the offensive coordinator search but could be keying in on Roman quickly.
What do you think of Greg Roman taking over the Browns offense?
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