It's not easy being a Browns fan, but one special coach can change the long-term outlook on any NFL franchise.



In Cleveland, that coach could be Rutgers' Big Ten foe and Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer. According to a report from Chat Sports, Browns ownership is preparing to make Meyer an offer that would exceed every coaching contract in NFL history and an option for "small equity ownership" in the franchise.



Per sources providing Chat Sports the information, Meyer would have jumped to the Browns in the past--possibly as early as 2013--if he won a national title at Ohio State sooner. After winning a title last season, the Browns--despite having just hired former Jets assistant Mike Pettine when Meyer rebuffed their original offer--reached out again. With the potential for back-to-back titles on the table at Ohio State on the table, Meyer again declined overtures.

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Could 2016 be the year? If Meyer jumps, it changes the landscape for Rutgers and could alter everything about the NFL. While no one knows exactly how Meyer's 152-27 college coaching record would translate to the NFL, it couldn't be any worse than what the Browns have endured since re-entering the NFL in 1999.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.