HBO considered bringing Browns back for 2nd 'Hard Knocks' season

Season 13 of "Hard Knocks," which featured the Cleveland Browns, was one of the most entertaining in the HBO series' history, highlighted by Bob Wylie's incredible anti-stretching rant and the team's quarterbacks-only RV.

The Browns were such a hit that HBO considered returning to Berea, Ohio for another season, as revealed by "Hard Knocks" showrunner Ken Rodgers on the latest episode of the "Sports Illustrated Media Podcast."

"It was very much a consideration. Something we talked about internally and externally a lot. And what it would mean for the franchise to repeat a team twice in a row - not just the Cleveland Browns franchise, but the 'Hard Knocks' franchise," Rogers said. "We've always felt like changing it up has really allowed the show to be on the air for 18 years now. The reason why the show, I think, stays relevant is that we change every year. That being said, if we were ever gonna repeat a team, it might have been this year with the Cleveland Browns repeating from last year.

"There certainly was enough change. The coaching staff has changed. Bob Wylie isn't there anymore so who's taking over the offensive line? Obviously, Odell (Beckham Jr.) coming in would be a big storyline. It was a top consideration. No doubt. At the end of the day, we felt like the Raiders were equal in terms of storylines and a bit fresher in terms of some of the characters."

Rogers added that the Browns didn't show the same level of interest as they did last year, and they ultimately all agreed it would be best to go in a different direction this season.

The new season of "Hard Knocks," featuring the Oakland Raiders, premieres Aug. 6. at 10 p.m. ET.

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