Chapter #5 New coach

As training camp wrapped up, I couldn't ignore nagging doubts about our coach Chris Palmer. While the players had gelled, I feared his offensive system wouldn't maximize our talents.

In private meetings, Palmer struggled articulating a vision to lead us to championships. It pained me to do, but a change was needed to unleash this team's potential. 

I called him to my office for a difficult chat.

"Chris, this team it´s... I just don't feel you can take us where we need to go," I said gently. He sighed, knowing his days were numbered. I thanked him for his service and wished him the best out East, he take it too good if you ask, I would be in rage.

My top choice was Tony Dungy, but he was committed to building the talented Bucs roster. So I turned to the coaching legend Marty Schottenheimer. Though retired from the Jets, his track record of turning teams around intrigued me.

Next I contacted him. "Marty, I have a good offer for you. How soon can you come discuss a return to coaching?"

Within days we met, me pitching our roster of rising stars and upside. Marty's eyes lit up seeing Brady, Urlacher and Hall on film. "Give me this team and a good contract, I'll deliver a title," he asserted confidently, well this year the objective it´s not the title but the playoffs, we have to take in account that many are just rookies, even tho they are good.

I got to work negotiating the richest deal in Browns history - 5 years, $10 million total with incentives for playoffs and Super Bowl. Our owner balked initially but seeing Marty's credentials, he signed off.

I brought Marty to Berea to assess our potential. Watching practice, a fire lit within his intense eyes. "Dwight, these players have all the tools to win it all with the right guidance and time" he told me confidently after.

It didn't take convincing to lure Marty back to the sidelines. His experience and disciplinarian approach would instill the tough mentality needed for postseason success. With Marty now steering the ship, I felt our rebirth was about to accelerate dramatically.

Breaking the news to players, they embraced Marty immediately. His "Martyball" brand of smashmouth football fit like a glove. I smiled inwardly knowing our chances of hoisting the Lombardi had just skyrocketed thanks to this bold coaching change. Our future looked brighter than ever.

A presser announcing Marty as our new coach generated massive buzz and ticket sales. I smiled knowing this powerhouse roster and coach were a perfect match that would shatter our city's championship drought with ferocity. Our rebirth was truly entering a golden new era with this dynamic duo helming our fate.

Now it´s time for our first pre-season game, against the Philadelphia Eagles

To be continued...