Cleveland Browns: Hiring Earnest Byner would be a great move
Cleveland Browns legend Earnest Byner may be around the team in a permanent role in 2016.
Earnest Byner is a Cleveland Browns legend who has the unlucky distinction of being associated with one of the team’s most heartbreaking moments.
The clip of Byner fumbling against the Denver Broncos will continue to be shown until the Browns return to greatness, which is the goal of Hue Jackson as he leads the team into the 2016 season.
I recently wrote a piece on how the Browns were smart to invite Byner to camp to help out with the running backs, but that was simply in his role as a guest.
But his work may pay off into something more than just being a guest in camp.
Hue Jackson will consider a coaching role for Earnest Byner who's been working with RBs but still TBD; said he's "a true Cleveland Brown"
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) June 1, 2016
#Browns HC Hue Jackson said Earnest Byner has been great helping coach running backs. Called him a true Cleveland Brown
— Nate Ulrich (@ByNateUlrich) June 1, 2016
Byner’s presence with the team is not something that is just symbolic. He has worked with five teams since retiring as a player, most recently as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ running backs coach in 2013.
While Byner’s experience speaks for itself, his love for the city of Cleveland is what should stand out.
"I'm involved in something that I care about deeply in a town I care about deeply" -@EBynerhttps://t.co/5xmY4sUM9J pic.twitter.com/LLp8cXNf3C
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) May 30, 2016
Most coaches care about the players they coach, but may not care as much about the city. Byner truly wants the Cleveland Browns to return to greatness, just as they were when he was a focal part of the franchise.
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Byner came back into the national spotlight after the premiere of Believeland, but that does not mean he should fade away.
It is rare that a player is so committed to a franchise, especially after receiving so much hate and resentment for one play that has come to define his time in Cleveland.
He apologized for The Fumble in the film, which was unnecessary, but it should serve as reconciliation for anyone who may still be holding onto any feelings from a game that was played nearly 30 years ago.
Byner has already been working with Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson Jr. the past few weeks, so it would be nice to have some continuity and have that relationship continue throughout training camp and the regular season.
The Browns already have Kirby Wilson as the running backs coach/run game coordinator, but Byner could easily join as an assistant, focusing on the individual backs while Wilson focuses on the position as a whole.
Crowell and Johnson Jr. only combined for a total of 1,085 rushing yards last season, and that number will need to increase if they are to be the running backs on this team for years to come.
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Having Earnest Byner as a resource can help that become a reality.