Browns players who must step up in 2015 (Part 2)

Dec 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine walks down the sidelines during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

I don’t believe it’s too much to ask that the head coach step up his game as well. Pettine is now well into his second year at the helm, has all his preferences in place, and his virtual thumbprint on all aspects of the team’s development, as he should.

My personal experience as a football coach, observing and working with head coaches like Berea-Midpark head man Ray Hradek, shows me how vitally important the head coach is. Not just to the X’s and O’s, but to the overall development of the team’s style. Head coaches instill things like grittiness and toughness in a team, making the players a reflection of themselves. They show heart when it’s needed, anger when it’s warranted, and selflessness at all times.

Much in the same way I have seen these characteristics in Hradek, I see them in Pettine. I believe in Pettine, and I believe he has found a home here and has become Cleveland. He’s not flashy. He’s not obnoxious. He’s not looking to make anyone look foolish. What he is, is a solid, grounded, “get it done” coach who plainly loves the game and will win here.

This is your team Pettine, take the next step up. In this town, if you can get us to a Super Bowl, you’ll never have to pay for a meal again.

Next: Final Thoughts