Leading up to the debut of NFL training camps in the next two weeks, the NFL Network is running segments on advice they would give to head coaches across the league.
On Wednesday, it was the Cleveland Browns' turn. Former players Brian Baldinger and Michael Robinson assessed coach Mike Pettine, who went 7-9 in his first season running the franchise in 2014.
Shows like these are normally argumentative, but Baldinger and Robinson agree that Pettine's level-headed leadership has been a substantial development for the future of the Browns.
"I would say this to Mike: don't change your approach," said Baldinger. "Obviously they are starved for a winner in Cleveland. But don't change and shortchange yourself in order to make a step you're not ready to make.
"He wants to build a smart, tough, bully – in a very tough division. To Mike's point: He's cut his teeth in this league on defense. Fix that defense and keep the score down. The offense will catch up."
What Robinson has taken away most from Pettine is that the coach is capable of making tough decisions.
"First I would say choose your quarterback – which they've already done," said Robinson. "But get that defense together. The biggest insurance for a quarterback, whether it's a journeyman quarterback or a young quarterback, is to have a great defense.
"Honestly, I think he's handled the Duke Johnson Jr. hoopla great. I think he's been honest. I think the players there believe in his philosophy. They believe in him. That's really all you can ask for."
Pettine and the Browns rookies return to Berea for training camp on July 22. The first practice open to the public is Thursday, July 30. Click here for more details.
