What Could Have Been: Bill Belichick's Browns Legacy Revisited
In 1991, Bill Belichick began his first head coaching role with the Cleveland Browns at age 39. During his initial three seasons, the Browns finished third in the AFC North each year. His breakthrough came in 1994 with his only winning season in Cleveland, defeating the New England Patriots in the Wild Card game before losing to Pittsburgh.
After a disappointing 5-11 season in 1995, the Browns relocated to Baltimore, and Belichick departed for the New York Jets. He wouldn't secure another head coaching position for four years and waited six years for his next winning season.
Since becoming the Patriots' head coach in 2000, Belichick has dominated the Browns with a 7-2 record, winning all five home games against Cleveland. However, the dynamics have shifted - Cleveland is no longer the NFL's underdog, and New England has lost its golden status.
As the Browns prepare to face their former coach in Foxborough, it represents a chance for current coach Kevin Stefanski to make his mark with a signature victory against one of the NFL's most successful coaches.
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