Browns LB Christian Kirksey is hoping this coaching change is the last one. (Rob Lorenzo)
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.
MIAMI BEACH, FL
Linebacker Christian Kirksey is on his fourth Browns head coach and GM in seven years.
As his ever-positive attitude is tested once again by another regime change, he is encouraged by what he’s seen in the latest one.
“At the end of the day, we’re putting together leaders,” Kirksey said inside the Super Bowl Media Center. “I’ve heard good things about all the men we’ve hired so far, about their leadership. I think that’s something we need as an organization. So I’m excited about where we’re going.”
Kirksey said he received a favorable impression about new coach Kevin Stefanski, whom he met before departing for Super Bowl week. He also has heard good reviews about prospective defensive coordinator Joe Woods, currently the pass game coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers.
But constant change has tempered his expectations.
“I’m used to it. I kind of just embrace it with open arms and remain focused,” he said. “I think we’re moving in the right direction. But I’m not the type of person to get overly excited or too low. So I’m just focused right now.
“You always hope [the turnaround is coming]. You always try to be optimistic. For me, I’m hoping for the best. It’s all about putting the work in.”
Kirksey has had a rough stretch in his career. He played all 32 games in the years the Browns went 1-31. Then when the Browns won 13 games over the last two years, his seasons were ended prematurely each time by injuries.
He said he is recovering well from the chest muscle injury that reduced him to two games in 2019. He felt helpless as the Season of Great Expectations unraveled into another regime blow-up.
“It’s devastating when you’re [on] the outside looking in, not on the field playing,” Kirksey said. “It’s always challenging knowing you can’t do anything physically. All you can do is be there and help on the mental side of it. I didn’t see our season going like that. I was a bit surprised. But it’s the National Football League. We have to go back to work.
“The players are getting another year to play together. That’s always a positive. It takes just a little bit to get over the hump. I think with the decisions we’ve made, I’m hoping that’s the little bit we need to get over the hump.”
Given his injury history and another coaching change, Kirksey’s future with the Browns is uncertain.
“For me, everything happens for a reason. I can only control what I can control, getting healthy, playing the best ball I can play. Right now, that’s my attitude. We all know I love the city of Cleveland, so I’m just focusing.”