Story perspectives

Browns Regret Passing on Dan Campbell as Head Coach

10/18/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In 2019, the Cleveland Browns missed a significant opportunity by not hiring Dan Campbell (then a tight ends coach with the Saints) as head coach.
Campbell, then a tight ends coach with the Saints, impressed, but the Browns passed due to his run-heavy philosophy clashing with Haslam's analytics-driven approach.
Dan Campbell now leads the Detroit Lions toward success.
The Browns' ongoing challenges raise questions about a Campbell-Mayfield partnership.

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Story summary

In 2019, the Cleveland Browns missed a significant opportunity by not hiring Dan Campbell (then a tight ends coach with the Saints) as head coach.
Campbell, then a tight ends coach with the Saints, impressed, but the Browns passed due to his run-heavy philosophy clashing with Haslam's analytics-driven approach.
Dan Campbell now leads the Detroit Lions toward success.
The Browns' ongoing challenges raise questions about a Campbell-Mayfield partnership.