Report: Browns' head coach, GM may be engaged in power struggle

Stop us if you've heard this one before: The Cleveland Browns may be experiencing some dysfunction behind the scenes.

The Browns' recent decision to part ways with director of player engagement Jamil Northcutt could be an indication of a growing power struggle between head coach Mike Pettine and general manager Ray Farmer, reports Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com.

Northcutt's former role isn't necessarily a crucial cog in a typical NFL front office (his job was to help rookies transition to life in the pros), but his importance came in the form of his special relationship with Farmer.

According to Grossi, Northcutt was a confidant to Farmer and a "thorn in the side of Mike Pettine's coaching staff."

It was Northcutt who reportedly received the impermissible text messages Farmer sent to the sideline during games (for which the latter is facing a four-game suspension). Northcutt also reportedly pestered coaches about matters well beyond the scope of his duties, ostensibly at Farmer's request.

Grossi also hints that Northcutt may have failed in his basic duties as player engagement director, pointing out that three Browns rookies (Johnny Manziel, Justin Gilbert, and Terrance West) struggled to adapt to life in the pros.

Grossi says Northcutt's departure from the team, a move the Browns say was a mutual decision, could be an indication of a shift in the power balance between Pettine and Farmer.

Grossi concludes by arguing neither the head coach nor the general manager has enough sway under owner Jimmy Haslam to make a major power play and suggests the pair must learn to work together if they wish to remain employed.