The Browns were looking to improve on their 5–11 record from 2003 and return to their 2002 playoff position; however, hindered by a tough schedule they regressed further and only won four games.
On November 30, Butch Davis resigned as head coach and general manager of the team.
Robiskie promoted tight end coach Rob Chudzinski to offensive coordinator.
Running backs (RB) Wide receivers (WR) Tight ends (TE) Defensive linemen (DL) Defensive backs (DB) Special teams Reserve Football statistics site Football Outsiders calculated that the 2004 Browns played the toughest schedule of any NFL team between 1989 and 2013, based on strength of opponent,[1] although Pro Football Reference[2] argues that their schedule was only the fifth-toughest in this span and twelfth-toughest non-strike since 1971.
[note 1] The Browns played just one game – their Week 16 contest against the Miami Dolphins – against a team with fewer than six wins, and played five against opponents with 12 or more wins, including a total of three against Steelers and Patriots who were a combined 28–2 against their remaining opponents.