Report Reveals Why Browns Passed on Dan Campbell in 2019 Coaching Search

Dan Campbell nearly became the head coach of the Cleveland Browns in 2019 until the Browns’ owner, Jimmy Haslam, intervened. Haslam wasn’t a big fan of Campbell’s coaching philosophy.

The Browns are among the few teams in the NFL that have gone through several rebuilds without seeing much success. A chance to end their eternal struggle arrived five years ago when Dan Campbell applied for the vacant head coaching job.

According to Tyler Dunne of Go Long, the Browns, especially Haslam, loved Campbell until the former New Orleans tight ends coach under Sean Payton‘s reign presented his coaching philosophy. Campbell wanted to establish a run-heavy system.

It was awesome. I mean, it was awesome… But Dan said, ‘I want to have a tough team and run the ball.’ Because that’s what the old football guys would do, that doesn’t mean you’re not going to pass.

Tyler Dunne wrote

However, Campbell’s pitch did not sit right with Haslam, who is a big believer in analytics.

Jimmy was so much—I don’t want to say brainwashed—but under the influence of what the analytics say and how passing is so much more important than running, it was almost like he dismissed him after that statement.

Dunne wrote

So close, yet so far.

Dan Campbell was right there.

Full: https://t.co/eIlgZjG2eY pic.twitter.com/YdDlQbThdJ

— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) October 17, 2025

Judging Dunne’s piece, it’s clear that Haslam had a vision or brand of football that his Browns should play. Campbell’s job went to Freddie Kitchens. The Browns Interim offensive coordinator of 2018 was one and done after posting a 6-10 record.

Not to disappoint the already frustrated Browns fans, but they could have had Campbell as the head coach and Baker Mayfield as their quarterback, whom they drafted first overall in 2018.

In 2025, Baker is among the leading candidates for the NFL MVP accolade, while Campbell has led the Lions to consecutive NFC North titles and has revived the career of Jared Goff.

The Browns have yet to figure out how to win games

Haslam identified Kevin Stefanski as the club’s savior. Stefanski had risen through the ranks at the Minnesota Vikings to become the offensive coordinator, guiding Kirk Cousins to several winning seasons.

Mayfield thrived in Stefanski’s system, and the pair led the Browns to their first playoff appearance since 2002. The Browns even defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the wild-card round.

However, Mayfield was traded after the Browns finished third in the AFC North. With Deshaun Watson going through a tough time on and off the field, Stefanski called on Joe Flacco to save their season in 2023. The ex-Super Bowl winner helped the team finish second with an 11-5 record to qualify for the postseason.

Flacco had one over the Browns fans, but the front office wanted to continue with their $46 million per year man, Watson. He played the first few games before picking up a season-ending injury. Jameis Winston steadied the ship until the end. The Browns finished with a 3-14 record and lie at the bottom of the division.

Ahead of the 2025 season, Haslam recalled Flacco to the roster. The Browns also traded for Kenny Pickett from the Philadelphia Eagles before drafting Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. By the time week one knocked on the door, Pickett was on the move once more. The former Steeler signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as Flacco assumed the starting quarterback job.

Flacco’s foray as QB1 lasted just four games (1-3 record). Stefanski and the Browns’ general manager, Andrew Berry, opted to promote Gabriel as the starter before week five. Flacco remained as the backup for one game until it was his turn to be traded. The 40-year-old signed for divisional rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals.

Since moving from Cleveland to Cincinnati, Flacco boasts a record of 1-1 while the Browns, with Gabriel, are 0-2 (1-5 overall).

Flacco displayed a masterclass during his first win as the Bengals quarterback. He defeated Aaron Rodgers‘ Pittsburgh Steelers by throwing 300+ yards and 3 touchdowns.

It’s unclear how much of a role Stefanski played in trading Flacco, considering he was the one who wanted the former Raven as his quarterback. Regardless, the Browns are in dire need of a win. Even though there are still 11 games left in the season, it’s hard to predict how many the Cleveland side will win with their rookie quarterbacks.

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