Browns OC Search, Meet the Candidate: Marc Trestman

With the Browns parting ways with Kyle Shanahan on Thursday morning, I thought it'd be best if we got to know our early candidates. (Ed. note: most of the ‘candidates' are names of coaches floated by various media members. I'm running with them as ‘candidates' until further evidence is presented to the contrary.)

First on our interesting list of misfits is none other than the man everyone in Chicago hates, Marc Trestman!

The skinny:

• Born January 15, 1956 (age 58)

• Originally from Minneapolis, MN. Went to high school in Minnesota, and went on to play QB at the University of Minnesota, where he was Tony Dungy's backup.

• Broke into coaching at the University of Miami. Named QBs Coach in 1983.

• Coached the one and only Bernie Kosar at Miami. Kosar would set school records for passing the two seasons he was coached by Trestman (more to come on this).

• Entered the NFL coaching ranks in 1985 as the Minnesota Vikings RBs coach.

• Coached various spots around the league for the better part of two decades. Having passing-game success, pretty much every stop.

• Coached Kosar again when he was named Browns QBs coach in 1988 - Browns go 10-6 and make the playoffs.

• Named Browns OC in 1989 - Kosar passes for 3,500+ yards, and 18 TDs. Webster Slaughter has a then franchise-record 1,236 receiving yards.

• 2009 CFL Coach of the Year.

• Grey Cup Champion 2009 & 2010.

• Hired by Chicago Bears to be HC in 2013.

• Disaster strikes.

So, that's a lot to digest.

Trestman has a long history, both in the NFL, and in college and CFL. He's had success pretty much everywhere he's been. He's produced great offenses, primarily by passing the ball, a lot. He's been to championship games (NCAA champion, AFC champion, and CFL champion). He's coached MVP's (Rich Gannon, Anthony Calvillo).

So, the résumé speaks for itself. He's primarily coached QB's, but has also done his fair share of playcalling as well.

Marc Trestman's name has come up in the #Browns' OC search and Trestman would be interested in talking, according to a source.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 8, 2015

Why he makes sense:

Despite the 2014 Bears being a dumpster-fire, the offense wasn't that bad. Matt Forte had a great year, posting 1,800+ yards from scrimmage, Jay Cutler had arguably his best season statistically, and Alshon Jeffery, Brandon Marshall and Martellus Bennett combined for 2,700+ yards receiving.

Despite the defense being able to stop no one, the offense was still competent. Trestman is regarded as a "QB whisperer" around the league. With so many question marks at QB for the Browns, a guy that has a great reputation developing QB's seems to be like a good fit for OC.

Did you see what he did with Rich Gannon in 2002? Rich Gannon won the MVP. Rich. Gannon. Can you imagine what he could do with Johnny Football?? Just sayin'.

The Trestman Era in Chicago wasn't the best era of Bears football, but that doesn't mean he's not a good coach. Chicago was his first NFL head coaching position, so it's understandable why there were hiccups.

Throughout his career, Trestman has proved to be a very good coordinator, and great QB coach. The Browns need both, and Trestman may be that guy.

Why he makes no sense:

Did you see what he did with the Bears? No way do I want this guy as my OC.

That's a roster that has on it: Jay Cutler, Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall, and Alshon Jeffery. How can he not win with that talent!?

With a roster that has that much potential talent, it's hard to believe they went 5-11 last year. If he takes over for the Browns as offensive coordinator, it's hard to see how he'll have success in Cleveland.

The Bears offense is loaded with talent, and the Browns offense is, um, not. Josh Gordon could be a valuable weapon in a Trestman offesne, but who's to say he'll be on the team? The Johnny Manziel Experiment didn't exactly get off on the right foot, can Trestman really turn him around?

Trestman has job hopped all over the NFL, and unless he's bringing Jeffery and Forte with him, we don't need him.

Recap:

I don't know whether the Browns have genuine interest in Trestman, all initial reports seem to be that there may be at least some interest between both parties.

Trestman's stint with the Bears wasn't the best, but it could've been worse for a first-time head coach. He's still considered around the league as a bright offensive mind.

If he were to be selected, it would be interesting to see how the team would take shape around him. Would they place higher priority on WR in the draft? Additionally, how would his offense translate to what the Browns have in place? With each coordinator reportedly interested, there's going to be question marks. So, for the Browns, they're going to have to figure out which direction they want to go, and stick with it.

I'd be okay with Trestman. Not sure he's a "homerun hire," but there's worse options.

What do you all think about Marc Trestman as a candidate?