Before I say anything I'll mention that if I had to put money on a bet then I'd lean the way you just laid out.
That said, I'm not sure coaches motivations are so cut and dry. I wouldn't be surprised if a guy like Harbaugh could see past the Browns history and see an opportunity to set himself apart (succeed where others have failed). Haslam has a history of meddling, but also has a history of doing whatever he can to help construct a roster. Remember, what we did with Watson (back when he was still considered an elite QB) was unprecedented and something few owners could manage.
I'll also repeat something I said before... he's a Harbaugh. I'd find it hard to believe he hasn't thought about potentially sticking it each year to the team that cut him loose.
Some coaches and players are motivated by their legacy. Some are motivated by revenge. Any team with a dismal record at the bottom of their division that you rebuild into a perennial winner and super bowl champ would set you apart. Overlooking better opportunities to accomplish that strictly for the sake of vengeance would show a lack of common sense.
You both make a lot of sense. I don't think revenge and setting himself apart would feed enough ego to look beyond the downside though.
Perennial loser that seems to have a curse, owner that meddles, alienate the very fans that hold you the highest by joining a division rival. If you fail you go from elite to the brunt of jokes. Yes, everyone will still recognize your body of work; but still - the brunt of jokes.
This simply isn't appealing enough. If we were locked and loaded and this was a draft class like 2018? Maybe. But there is no QB on this team and none that jumps off the page (that you can feasibly draft) in the draft. The owner is already saying the DC stays. No matter how you slice it, we are probably the least attractive destination. And while we may offer a stab at immortality and revenge, the downside is just way too
down.
