The Cleveland Browns face quarterback drama all season. It started when they made the move to grab Johnny Manziel in the first-round of the NFL Draft and continued through the year and still has not stopped. Manziel was the fan-favorite choice while veteran Brian Hoyer was winning games. Pressure came to put the rookie under center when Hoyer started to struggle and now the Browns are just in an offensive mess when it comes to what direction the unit will go in 2015. That has caused tension in the coaching and could result in a departure of one coordinator.
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan could be leaving the Browns over issues with coach's and the front office. May Kay Cabot reports that Shanahan did not like that he was facing pressure to bench Hoyer and put in Manziel towards the end of the season. That decision only made the Browns worse as the offense appeared to take a few steps back with the rookie in charge. Shanahan also did not like that front office personnel were intruding into the coaching, telling them what plays should be called.
Shanahan is under contract through the 2015 season so the Browns can block any departure. The coordinator has been listed as candidates for several head coaching positions including both the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers. He would likely be able to leave if hired, but the Browns might not let him simply walk away from his contract. However, tension on the team and a toxic atmosphere is certainly not ideal for anyone involved.
The Browns are clearly torn with what to do with the quarterback position. They can opt to keep or move Manziel depending on their beliefs of his NFL potential. They could re-sign Hoyer to be the starter again. They could draft Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston. The Browns have the means to make any of the moves work since they do have two first-round draft picks. The market for Manziel is small while Hoyer will get plenty of attention, something that will work in his favor come free agency. The Plain Dealer reports that no one is clear which move is the best, something the Browns are rushing to figure out.
