Impressive debut

First impressions, it is often said, are extremely important in that they allow you to see the true genuineness of people. They are make-or-break moments in life.

You get only one shot at it. And you better get it right. How’s that old meme go? You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. It’s true.

Kevin Stefanski made his Cleveland debut Tuesday as the new head coach of the Browns and presented himself in such a way that quietly explained why he was chosen to succeed Freddie Kitchens.

First impressions from this viewpoint after a 30-minute session with the media: Poised, self-assured, prepared, knowledgeable, serious, dedicated, confident with an absence of cockiness, reserved.

He looked comfortable in his new role, answering numerous questions about what Browns Nation could expect from him in a calm, casual manner throughout the grilling.

He did not dwell on any aspect of his new job, one he has prepared for the last decade and a half. He handled a wide range of subjects with soft-spoken, relatively brief replies. Pontification took a back seat.

He was impressive in a calm, almost-laid back manner. It looked as though he had done this before even though this was his first rodeo in front of a tough audience and he handled it in a down-to-earth fashion.

“My leadership style is to be authentic,” said the 37-year-old Stefanski, whose well-trimmed salt-and-pepper beard belied his age. “I am going to be me . . . I want to lead from a relationship standpoint and I want (the players) to know what I’m about.”

Being an offensive coach for most of his career, it was only natural he was asked about calling plays on that side of the football, which he did this past season as offensive coordinator with the Minnesota Vikings. “I think we’re going to work through that,” he said.

“I think as we put the staff together, if there is someone on that staff I feel gives us the best chance to win, that person will call the plays. It does not have to be me. But I want to work through that and see us put that staff together (first).”

It was an adroit dodge of the question. Quite different from last season when Kitchens insisted from the get-go that he was the going to call all the plays on offense. It was a decision that ultimately cost him his job.

When the question was obliquely revisited later on, Stefanski said, “I am all about the Cleveland Browns. If that’s me calling the plays, great. If it is not, I am fine with that, too.” A tiny peek into what he’s thinking now.

As for analytics and the role they will play in his new role, he said. “I am looking for any edge we can get on game day and certainly analytics is another buzzword out there. We’re looking to make informed decisions. Information is power, so we like to have a lot of information that informs our decisions.”

Interesting thought. Information is power. Can’t argue that, but every now and then, supposed correct information is exactly the opposite. Doesn’t happen often, but it does happen.

Last time I looked, football was mostly about blocking and tackling. The teams that block and tackle the best are generally the ones that wind up playing in January and early February.

Stefanski also dismissed local reports that had him sharing game plans with the analytics arm of the team the Friday before games. “It’s silly season for that type of stuff and I understand that,” he said, calling them “not true.”

Owner Jimmy Haslam III did admit, however, acknowledged reports that he would meet with his latest head coach – his fifth since 2012 – the day after games to review them and justified continuing that practice.

“If you owned a pro football team, would you meet with the head coach (the day) after the game?” he said. “Of course you would. Of course we would.”

Regarding the rumors about analytics playing a much more important role this season in game planning and game-day moves, he said, “The rumors out there, though, about presenting a game plan and that kind are totally inaccurate. I really think they are irresponsible.”

Inaccurate and irresponsible are not exactly saying untrue. That is couching the answer in a way that indicates there might be more there than he lets on. His new coach said not true. He did not.

Maybe it’s the ex-journalist in me, but I tend to believe someone in that business before I believe someone who leans toward prevarication when cornered.

As for Stefanski’s approach when he begins connecting with the players, the past will not be part of the conversations. “We’re not looking backward,” he said. “We’re looking forward. Anything that has happened in the past doesn’t affect our future.”

A good start for the Ivy League graduate, who pocketed a five-year contract to move his football acumen from the Land of 10,000 Lakes (actually 11,842) to the North Coast lakefront. The stoplight is now his.