Filed under: Browns, AFC North

Browns head coach Pat Shurmur hired a staff loaded with sideline experience and Super Bowl appearances that he feels can help turn Cleveland into a success sooner rather than later, and it begins on Feb. 23 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, the site of the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine.

“We feel as though we’re putting a bunch of guys together that are great teachers, great motivators and so, that takes a little time to find the right fit and mix of guys,” said Shurmur. “We’re excited about the guys we’ve hired. Also, I’m spending time getting to know the organization and the people that are here. I think that’s part of it because I do think this is about the people.

“I’ve spent some of my time getting around the building and meeting the people we’ll be working together with and obviously, getting to know some of the current players,” as Shurmur continued on Thursday. “I’ve reached out to a few on the phone and some of the players that are here, I’ve had a chance to spend time with. Then, I’ve had time, in my off-time so-to-speak, to watch tape and get familiar with the players that we have so that we can proceed forward in free agency and the Draft.”

To succeed in the NFL, it’s important to build a team tailored to the division you are playing in. In the AFC North, having a power running game and playing physical defense is essential with the likes of the Ravens and Steelers. With a solid offensive line led by Pro Bowlers in center Alex Mack and left tackle Joe Thomas along with left guard Eric Steinbach, Cleveland produced an effective rush attack with the ball in the hands of running back Peyton Hillis last season.

Defensively, Shurmur started from the ground up to get the Browns on the path to compete for the AFC North by hiring Dick Jauron, with 27 years of NFL experience, as the team’s defensive coordinator. When former Eagles head coach Ray Rhodes, with 31 years of experience in the NFL, was brought in to be Cleveland’s senior defensive assistant, the direction in which the Browns were heading became clear.

“With our coaching staff now complete, I am excited about the group that we have been able to assemble,” said Shurmur on Monday when he introduced his coaching staff. “I believe we have a blend of coaches with a tremendous amount of experience who have proven to be excellent teachers throughout the course of their careers.

“I have known most of these guys for a considerable amount of time, and not only have I been impressed with their work, but they are all greatly respected around the league. Many of our coaches have been a part of winning programs, which is an important element as well. I feel very good about the strengths that each coach possesses, and I am confident this will benefit our team.”

The 2011 NFL Draft will be loaded with good defensive players and Shurmur and his gang of coaches look to get out to a great start and ultimately make the Browns a winner.

“The evaluation of a draftable player is so important. All of the information is there; it’s just important that you get it and you evaluate if he’s the right guy for you,” said Shurmur. “That’s a long process. I find it to be somewhat enjoyable getting to know the players that you’re going to draft and have become part of the Browns organization. It needs to be organized and done in a way where the coaches are involved as well as the personnel people who know the most about the players.

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