In the final weeks of his failed tenure, Hue Jackson grew paranoid, and resorted to trying things that might make himself look better in the eyes of his bosses, according to an intriguing report by The MMQB.

The since-fired Browns coach, after taking himself out of offensive-install sessions during the spring and summer, suddenly began showing up to offensive team meetings. It created confusion, as there was a disconnect between what Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley were telling players.

Jackson even started watching Haley’s weekly press conferences, calling him out if the offensive coordinator’s message was different from his. Haley reportedly believed Jackson wanted more credit for the minor success the Browns were having; a 2-4-1 record to start the year was somehow seen as a positive (given they had won one combined game the previous two seasons).

“I didn’t perceive it (that way),” Jackson told Cleveland.com, denying that a difference of opinion with Haley was behind the firings.

“I think you can disagree with people and not have it be discord. Discord to me is a strong word. It means there’s always infighting. That’s a pretty hot word.”

The first week after the firings of Jackson and Haley, the Browns continued to lose, falling 37-21 to the Chiefs, but the offense did operate better, averaging 5.5 yards per play after producing 4.9 previously. Altogether, they put up 388 yards of total offense.

Jackson and Haley both were canned Oct. 29, leaving defensive coordinator Gregg Williams to take over the woebegone franchise.