When kicking around names as potential head coaching candidates in 2019, the Cleveland Browns should consider Pete Carmichael, the OC from the Saints
The Cleveland Browns have made an amazing turnaround this season since firing head coach Hue Jackson. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has energized this team as the interim head coach, and has them playing well enough to be in contention for a playoff spot.
He even has the team in contention for the AFC North title, and although they need a little help from other teams to make that happen, that is something you never heard under Hue Jackson.
While Williams has this team clicking right now, and has definitely shown that he deserves a chance to be the permanent head coach title, there are still other candidates that the team will look for.
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General manager John Dorsey has stated he will leave no stone unturned in this search. Many have called for Baker Mayfield’s college coach, Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley, and others for Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell.
Campbell signed an extension on Monday with Iowa State, essentially locking him up and nixing him from potential candidates. Lincoln Riley is still a potential hire, but he has stated numerous times he is comfortable at Oklahoma and has no intentions on leaving.
With these names likely out, that leaves a question mark on who else the Browns may want to interview. One name that hasn’t been mentioned nearly enough; Pete Carmichael Jr.
Carmichael has been the New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator since 2009, and has been on staff every year since Sean Payton took over the Saints in 2006. Since Carmichael took over the coordinator job, New Orleans has had a top 10 offense every year.
While Carmichael doesn’t call the plays during games often, with Sean Payton keeping that role, he works closely to game plan with Payton and Brees each week. He has also worked with Drew Brees since 2002, with both the Chargers and the Saints. Many have compared Mayfield to Drew Bree’s, both in size and their play style.
Brees had high praise for Mayfield earlier this season before their matchup in Week 2, stating that Mayfield “can be way better than me.” While Mayfield has a long way to go to reach that type of level, he could learn a lot from the guy who has helped Brees turn into arguably a top five to top ten quarterback of all time.
With how much improvement Mayfield has shown with offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens simplifying things for him on offense, Carmichael could make a smooth transition. He could allow Kitchens to stay on his staff under the same role, and allow him to keep calling plays. Carmichael could bring many ideas that have helped Brees over the course of his career and help implement them.
While there are no indications that Dorsey or Carmichael are interested in joining forces or even making contact, the idea is worth kicking around. Baker Mayfield is the future of the Cleveland Browns, and his continued development into a superstar talent is key for Cleveland to continue to climb out of the despair they have had. Pete Carmichael can do just that, and deserves a call from John Dorsey.