Let’s have a serious talk. Of all the Ohio pro sports teams can we identify the best run organization? And I am NOT including Ohio State, you Buckeye fanatics! Just pro sports, but I would be stupid not to realize the NIL impact!
How to evaluate?
So let’s start with some basics. We need to include championships, playoff appearances, competition (3rd place or higher and no more than X points/games behind), roster construction and/or payroll.
Last place or lower than 3rd position needs to be factored in as does the number of years the head coach is in with that club. Feel free at any time to comment or give us your feedback.
Teams
Cleveland Browns
Owner: Haslam Group (Jimmy)
GM: Andrew Berry
Coach: Kevin Stefanski
Photo by Charles Murray
Cleveland Guardians
Owner: Paul Dolan
GM: Mike Chernoff
Manager: Stephen Vogt
Cleveland Cavaliers
Owner: Dan Gilbert
GM: Mike Gansey
Head Coach: Kenny Atkinson
Columbus Blue Jackets
Owner: John P. McConnell
GM: Don Waddell
Head Coach: Dean Evason
Columbus Crew
Owner: Haslam Group (Dee)
GM: Issa Tall
Head Coach: (Unofficial: Henrik Rydstrom)
Cincinnati Reds
Owner: Bob Castellini
GM: Brad Meador
Manager: Terry Francona
Cincinnati Bengals
Owner: Mike Brown
GM: Duke Tobin
Head Coach: Zac Taylor
FC Cincinnati
Owner: Carl Linder III
GM: Chris Albright
Head Coach: Patt Noonan
My list? In order…
Crew
Guardians
FCC
Cavs
Bengals
Blue Jackets
Browns
Reds
Why my list?
Now, why did I choose this? Simple. Look at the playoff runs.
The Crew has two championships. Guardians have been to the World Series and their playoff run has been incredible, honestly. I thought of switching FCC and the Cavs, but since 2019 FCC has made a four year playoff run from 2022 through this past year. The Cavs only 2023 through last year. And Chris Albright has done a masterful job at roster construction the past four years. FCC just needs some health luck and they could jump to #1!
Why the Bengals over Blue Jackets
Why the Bengals over the Blue Jackets? Simple. Super Bowl. And that’s the ONLY reason! Ownership for each can be quite…er…stingy. Much has been said on the Bengals, but the Blue Jackets? They are last in all NHL clubs in revenue, as per Sportico.
Why the Browns over Reds
I easily could switch the Reds and Browns, but two playoff spots puts Cleveland above the Redlegs. This could change with Francona at the helm. The Reds could see a jump next year over Haslam’s team. Looking at owners, the Browns throw money at players but have generated very little in terms of success. The Reds? See the Bengals!
Why the Blue Jackets over the Browns
For those of you asking, “Why the Blue Jackets over the Browns?” Playoffs! From 2017-2020 the Blue Jackets made the playoffs four straight years. Browns? Twice. The loss of Johnny Gaudreau was just utterly sad and truly shattering for the organization. I would posit that his signing signaled a new vision of where John McConnell saw his organization going forward. His death cast a shadow over the club and CBJ are trying to pivot in this post “Johnny Hockey” era.
Browns? I can say two words…Deshaun Watson. ‘Nuff said!
Coaching
Regarding coaches and their tenure, it is crazy that Stefanski and Zac Taylor are both 6 years in their tenures. Crew? Had some stability with Berhalter, Porter and Nancy. Will new coach Herik Rydstrom continue that success? FCC has seen eight coaches since their inception. The average length of tenure is roughly 1.2 years, only because current coach Pat Noonan has been on since 2021! The 2019-2021 years seeing five head coaches should have dropped FCC down, but their continued success has kept them legit.
The Reds had for 11 years only two coaches. Bet you many Reds fans thought the tenures of Bryan Price and David Bell were shorter. Guardians? Tito and Vogt.
The Cavaliers have an interesting coaching list and average. From Blatt to Ty Lue to Kenny, the average for a Cavs head man is 2 years. Reds with more stability than the Cavs? That’s not great, Bob!
So, that’s my list. Where do you think I went wrong or right?
What’s your list? Justify it for me, too!
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