Cleveland Browns: 5 early Head coaching candidates to consider in 2019
By Randy Gurzi
![PALO ALTO, CA - SEPTEMBER 02: Head coach David Shaw of the Stanford Cardinal stands on the sideline during their game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Stanford Stadium on September 2, 2016 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) PALO ALTO, CA - SEPTEMBER 02: Head coach David Shaw of the Stanford Cardinal stands on the sideline during their game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Stanford Stadium on September 2, 2016 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fdawgpounddaily-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F07-2F598757550-850x560-0670433b74c29bb84e1613e4062af2bf2cdb8cf6fae61d368c613dab2fdaddcd.jpg)
2. David Shaw, Head Coach, Stanford Cardinals
The Stanford Cardinals are a well-respected collegiate organization. They feature a pro-style offense and have sent some talented players to the NFL in recent seasons. They also sent a talented coach to the league in 2011 when Jim Harbaugh took over the San Francisco 49ers. It may not have ended well, but Harbaugh showed his style, and success, could translate nicely to the next level.
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When Harbaugh left Stanford, he was replaced by his offensive coordinator, David Shaw — who had held that position since 2007. Shaw kept the same tough mentality that Harbaugh instilled, but he left the $8 khaki’s to the master.
The Cardinals didn’t miss a beat with Shaw at the helm and they had double-digit wins the first three seasons with him in charge. Overall in his eight seasons, Shaw is sitting on a record of 78-25.
His ability to run an offense would be intriguing to John Dorsey, who is surely wanting to get the most out of No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield. Keeping a head coach who can mold Baker into the best quarterback possible is a recipe for success for all parties involved.
For years, it seems like Shaw has been coveted by NFL teams. Could this be the opportunity that finally convinces him to give it a shot?