BROWNS THREAD 2009 4 GAME WIN STREAK! (2 Viewers)

[wadegarrett]

Cleveland Browns will interview former Jets coach Eric Mangini

by Mary Kay Cabot

Cleveland.com

Tuesday December 30, 2008, 2:01 PM

CLEVELAND -- The Browns will interview fired New York Jets coach Eric Mangini soon, possibly today or Wednesday, a league source said today.

Mangini, who began his NFL career with the Browns in 1994 as a ballboy and public relations assistant, was fired by the Jets Monday after they went 9-7. The Browns fired head coach Romeo Crennel on Monday.

In his three seasons with the Jets, Mangini went 23-25, including a 10-6 mark in 2006 and 4-12 record in 2007. He earned three Super Bowl rings as a defensive assistant in New England under Bill Belichick, who gave him his start in Cleveland. He is also the brother-in-law of Indians general manager Mark Shapiro.

Mangini, who had one year left on his Jets contract, is one of several Browns head coaching candidates, including Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan and Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.

Mangini, 37, fell out of favor with Jets owner Woody Johnson and general manager Mike Tannenbaum, but the players lined up at his door to offer him support after he was fired. Just a month ago, Mangini had the Jets in first place, but they lost four of five games to fall from playoff contention.

Mangini would be intriguing to the Browns because he loved working here, has head coaching experience and is well-versed in the Super Bowl winning ways of the Patriots.

The Browns are also going hard after Patriots Executive Vice President Scott Pioli, who worked with Mangini in New England. The two were even in Cleveland together in 1995 and spent most of their careers together. But it remains to be seen what their relationship is following Spygate -- when Mangini accused the Patriots of taping the Jets defensive signals last year.

One league source said, "I think it could be worked out.''

Mangini is also still very close with Crennel from their time in New England. In fact, there was some talk that Crennel would join Mangini in New York if he kept his job with the Jets. If Mangini got the Browns job, it wouldn't be far-fetched to think he'd ask Crennel to stay on as defensive coordinator. Crennel indicated Monday that he would be open to that kind of situation, depending on the head coach.

Mangini was hailed as a young Belichick, his mentor, before the two had their rift. Pioli's interview is not expected to take place today, but perhaps tomorrow, a source said.

McDaniels would be another leading candidate if Pioli is hired.

 

[Paul Brown]

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Seems odd that the Browns would interview head coaching candidates before they get their GM in place.

 

[DawgPoundNJ]

Cleveland Browns will interview former Jets coach Eric Mangini

by Mary Kay Cabot

Cleveland.com

Tuesday December 30, 2008, 2:01 PM

CLEVELAND -- The Browns will interview fired New York Jets coach Eric Mangini soon, possibly today or Wednesday, a league source said today.

Mangini, who began his NFL career with the Browns in 1994 as a ballboy and public relations assistant, was fired by the Jets Monday after they went 9-7. The Browns fired head coach Romeo Crennel on Monday.

In his three seasons with the Jets, Mangini went 23-25, including a 10-6 mark in 2006 and 4-12 record in 2007. He earned three Super Bowl rings as a defensive assistant in New England under Bill Belichick, who gave him his start in Cleveland. He is also the brother-in-law of Indians general manager Mark Shapiro.

Mangini, who had one year left on his Jets contract, is one of several Browns head coaching candidates, including Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan and Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.

Mangini, 37, fell out of favor with Jets owner Woody Johnson and general manager Mike Tannenbaum, but the players lined up at his door to offer him support after he was fired. Just a month ago, Mangini had the Jets in first place, but they lost four of five games to fall from playoff contention.

Mangini would be intriguing to the Browns because he loved working here, has head coaching experience and is well-versed in the Super Bowl winning ways of the Patriots.

The Browns are also going hard after Patriots Executive Vice President Scott Pioli, who worked with Mangini in New England. The two were even in Cleveland together in 1995 and spent most of their careers together. But it remains to be seen what their relationship is following Spygate -- when Mangini accused the Patriots of taping the Jets defensive signals last year.

One league source said, "I think it could be worked out.''

Mangini is also still very close with Crennel from their time in New England. In fact, there was some talk that Crennel would join Mangini in New York if he kept his job with the Jets. If Mangini got the Browns job, it wouldn't be far-fetched to think he'd ask Crennel to stay on as defensive coordinator. Crennel indicated Monday that he would be open to that kind of situation, depending on the head coach.

Mangini was hailed as a young Belichick, his mentor, before the two had their rift. Pioli's interview is not expected to take place today, but perhaps tomorrow, a source said.

McDaniels would be another leading candidate if Pioli is hired.

I'm not as sour on Mangini as I was a day or two ago, and I think he deserves an interview (although I think hiring a coach before the GM is putting the cart in front of the horse). After rethinking the situation, I believe a lot of the failures come from Mangini being force-fed Favre and his bad decision making. I think the problem was that Woody Johnson and Mike Tannenbaum have their B.S. PSLs for the new stadium riding on Favre's name, and Mangini wasn't on board with it. I can respect that- with such a competitive division you can't get away with reckless football like he did in Green Bay and you can just see the rage after each interception on Sunday. The only questionable game management decision that I've seen was going for it on 4th and 3 deep in their own territory in Seattle with all 3 timeouts left and 2 minutes left.

Mangini is tough on his players, but he seems respected as Coles, Damien Woody, and Alan Faneca have went to bat for him. The players are taking responsibility which is a plus. The only knock I have on Mangini is that his coordinators were weak. I can see him doing well here.

As for the Rooney Rule: Are there any strong black candidates out there? The results of this poll/survey are staggering.

N.F.L. Players Evaluate Their Coaches

This story might even deserve its own thread if it doesn't have one already.

 

[MAC_32]

The only questionable game management decision that I've seen was going for it on 4th and 3 deep in their own territory in Seattle with all 3 timeouts left and 2 minutes left.

I don't think you have watched enough of the Jets. They have made a lot of in-game decisions that have irritated me, who couldn't care less about the Jets, I just like to watch good football.

 

[DawgPoundNJ]

The only questionable game management decision that I've seen was going for it on 4th and 3 deep in their own territory in Seattle with all 3 timeouts left and 2 minutes left.

I don't think you have watched enough of the Jets. They have made a lot of in-game decisions that have irritated me, who couldn't care less about the Jets, I just like to watch good football.

Maybe I haven't. I'm always watching the Browns, and leftovers of whatever my wife lets me after that.

 

[JoeSteeler]

Have the Browns made any mention of talking to Brian Billick? Seems like he would be a good fit.

 

[wadegarrett]

Have the Browns made any mention of talking to Brian Billick? Seems like he would be a good fit.

Lerner already said he will not be involved/interviewed.

 

[Browns Rule!]

I believe there is still a very good chance that Cowher will pop back up, and ultimately, will be hired. However, my believe changes dramatically if Pioli is hired. If Pioli comes, here are my choices:

1) Marty Shottenheimer as coach

2) Mangini as coach, keep Crennell as D-Coordinator, hire either Bernie Kosar or Mike Martz as O-Coordinator

3) Josh McDaniels as coach

4) Bernie Kosar as coach and backup QB.

 

[MAC_32]

Have the Browns made any mention of talking to Brian Billick? Seems like he would be a good fit.

Lerner already said he will not be involved/interviewed.

Good, keep the captain of Camp Creampuff away from this group of already slackers.

 

[Browns Rule!]

Have the Browns made any mention of talking to Brian Billick? Seems like he would be a good fit.

Lerner already said he will not be involved/interviewed.

Good, keep the captain of Camp Creampuff away from this group of already slackers.

I do not want Billick here, he already screwed the Browns over when he took the Baltimore job, so I say screw him

 

[AtomicDogg97]

CNNSI's Don Banks think Pioli to Cleveland is a lock.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writ...eref=si_writers

 

[AtomicDogg97]

Oh God no....supposedly Pioli's first choice to coach the Browns is Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/...and_browns.html

 

[DawgPoundNJ]

Rich McKay of Hotlanta and Tampa Bay fame comin' right up for an interview. Unsure how I feel about this one. Either way, I like the fact that Lerner isn't putting every egg in the Pioli basket.

 

[wadegarrett]

CNNSI's Don Banks think Pioli to Cleveland is a lock.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writ...eref=si_writers

very about this

Oh God no....supposedly Pioli's first choice to coach the Browns is Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/...and_browns.html

not so much about this

 

[mr blond]

I believe there is still a very good chance that Cowher will pop back up, and ultimately, will be hired. However, my believe changes dramatically if Pioli is hired. If Pioli comes, here are my choices:

1) Marty Shottenheimer as coach

2) Mangini as coach, keep Crennell as D-Coordinator, hire either Bernie Kosar or Mike Martz as O-Coordinator

3) Josh McDaniels as coach

4) Bernie Kosar as coach and backup QB.

I hear a lot of local opinion that Bernie Kosar should be brought in as an OC or GM, but I just don't see how it would be a good fit.As a Browns fan, I want to see people who have experience. Handing the keys to the offense or the front office to someone with zero experience would not be a smart move. The Browns need organizational structure and a system that will develop young talent, be it in the front office, the coaching staff, and the team itself. Take a look at the good organizations in the league, you don't see Terry Bradshaw running the Steelers offense.

Unless Bernie is willing to start at the bottom, his only role with the team should be as Lerner's gameday guest in his stadium suite.

 

[DawgPoundNJ]

I believe there is still a very good chance that Cowher will pop back up, and ultimately, will be hired. However, my believe changes dramatically if Pioli is hired. If Pioli comes, here are my choices:

1) Marty Shottenheimer as coach

2) Mangini as coach, keep Crennell as D-Coordinator, hire either Bernie Kosar or Mike Martz as O-Coordinator

3) Josh McDaniels as coach

4) Bernie Kosar as coach and backup QB.

I hear a lot of local opinion that Bernie Kosar should be brought in as an OC or GM, but I just don't see how it would be a good fit.As a Browns fan, I want to see people who have experience. Handing the keys to the offense or the front office to someone with zero experience would not be a smart move. The Browns need organizational structure and a system that will develop young talent, be it in the front office, the coaching staff, and the team itself. Take a look at the good organizations in the league, you don't see Terry Bradshaw running the Steelers offense.

Unless Bernie is willing to start at the bottom, his only role with the team should be as Lerner's gameday guest in his stadium suite.

I totally understand the facination with Bernie Kosar. He's everything that a Brown should be. However, anything other than a figurehead director or VP role would be doing us a great disservice. He doesn't have OC experience. He doesn't have GM or scouting experience. He definitely has business acumen, get him on board in some capacity there.

 

[MAC_32]

I'd like Bernie to be associated in some way, I think he'd be a positive for the personnel department.

However...Martz? Mike Martz? You have got to be f'n kidding me. You don't watch much outside of the Browns and the ESPN talking heads do you?

 

[Jedeye]

My thoughts on Bernie...

Bring him in as a QB coach and let him work his way up. However, I think he'd probably consider that as an insult and decline.

 

[Browns Rule!]

I'd like Bernie to be associated in some way, I think he'd be a positive for the personnel department.However...Martz? Mike Martz? You have got to be f'n kidding me. You don't watch much outside of the Browns and the ESPN talking heads do you?

I love Mike Martz's offense. We have an ancient RB that hasn't many skills left, so why not just pass every down like Martz likes to do. At least our offense would be exciting again. As long as Martz has had a QB that fits well into his system (Jon Kitna in 2007 until he got hurt, finally started getting it with Hill toward the end of the year this year, Bulger, Warner), his offense runs up and down the field. We have a QB that would fit well with Martz in Quinn, and an OLine that should be able to give him the time to throw.Yeah, throwing Bernie in is obviously a heart decision for me, but I just love the guy. Also, I can't stand Bellicheck for what he did to Bernie, so I'm having a hard time with Piolli, being a part of this team. I can't stand Bellicheck, so this kind of puts me in Mangini's corner, anyone that dislikes Bellicheck, I tend to like.

 

[wadegarrett]

Blurb from Peter King's column on SI.com...

Cowher, the hottest coach on the market in a year with multiple job openings, will stay off the sidelines in 2009, reliable NFL sources tell me. The only way Cowher will even consider one of the jobs, I'm told, is if he gets an offer he just can't refuse. What would that offer be? There probably isn't one out there, but it would have to be ridiculous money -- more than $10 million a year, almost certainly -- plus one that Cowher thinks he quickly can build a team to win.When Cowher left the Steelers after the 2006 season, he told his family he would stay out of football until his youngest daughter, Lindsay, finished her high-school years in Raleigh, N.C. Lindsay is a senior right now. And I'm told Cowher "absolutely'' has not changed his mind.I'm also told reliably that if there was a job out there Cowher would have loved to consider, it was the Browns job. The fact he turned down the Browns' job almost without thinking Saturday night in a face-to-face meeting with owner Randy Lerner tells you everything you need to know about his unwillingness to return in 2009. Cowher, a former Cleveland player and assistant coach, loves the tradition of the Browns and the passion of their fan base, but it just wasn't the right time for him.

 

[amnesiac]

Oh God no....supposedly Pioli's first choice to coach the Browns is Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/...and_browns.html

i read that too. i hope not. no offense to Ferentz.

 

[amnesiac]

Rich McKay of Hotlanta and Tampa Bay fame comin' right up for an interview. Unsure how I feel about this one. Either way, I like the fact that Lerner isn't putting every egg in the Pioli basket.

based on the little i know, i would be ok with Pioli or McKay.

 

[amnesiac]

Seems odd that the Browns would interview head coaching candidates before they get their GM in place.

Lerner has said he would prefer to have the GM first, but he's not going to stand by while the prime coaching candidates interview elsewhere. he is definitely being proactive.

 

[MAC_32]

I'd like Bernie to be associated in some way, I think he'd be a positive for the personnel department.However...Martz? Mike Martz? You have got to be f'n kidding me. You don't watch much outside of the Browns and the ESPN talking heads do you?

I love Mike Martz's offense. We have an ancient RB that hasn't many skills left, so why not just pass every down like Martz likes to do. At least our offense would be exciting again. As long as Martz has had a QB that fits well into his system (Jon Kitna in 2007 until he got hurt, finally started getting it with Hill toward the end of the year this year, Bulger, Warner), his offense runs up and down the field. We have a QB that would fit well with Martz in Quinn, and an OLine that should be able to give him the time to throw.Yeah, throwing Bernie in is obviously a heart decision for me, but I just love the guy. Also, I can't stand Bellicheck for what he did to Bernie, so I'm having a hard time with Piolli, being a part of this team. I can't stand Bellicheck, so this kind of puts me in Mangini's corner, anyone that dislikes Bellicheck, I tend to like.

There's a reason Martz has continually failed since the greatest show on turf came to an end, the rest of the league caught up to him and he hasn't been (and won't be) surrounded by that kind of talent since. I'd rather our franchise QB Quinn not get murdered like Martz's recent QB's have, our OLine is better than the ones Martz has had recently but not elite...and it'd take an elite OLine to protect the QB in Martz's scheme. Martz would be best served going to the college game a la June Jones. His old gameplan doesn't work anymore and he's shown he's incapable of implementing a new one, should work in the college game though.

 

[wadegarrett]

Cleveland Browns want to contact Mike Shanahan

by Tony Grossi

Wednesday December 31, 2008

The Browns will seek to interview fired Denver coach Mike Shanahan, said a source with knowledge of the situation.

"How can you not?" said the source.

Browns owner Randy Lerner and President Mike Keenan are in the New York area today to interview Scott Pioli for the position of chief football executive and Eric Mangini for head coach.

The interviews are separate. Lerner had the Pioli interview scheduled and decided to hook up with Mangini, recently fired as Jets coach, to get a feel for him before proceeding with other planned interviews.

Broncos owner Pat Bowlen rocked the NFL world by firing Shanahan in a five-minute exit interview on Tuesday.

In his first comments in Denver on Wednesday, Shanahan said, "I'll be coaching again. I can't give you a timeframe. I love the NFL, so I don't see getting out of it, but you just don't know."

Shanahan, who has a mansion under construction in Cherry Hills, Colo., also told reporters he hoped to live in Denver "the rest of my life."

Shanahan was the most successful coach in Denver Broncos history, winning back-to-back Super Bowl championships following the 1997 and '98 seasons. He was also the club's executive vice president of football operations during his 14-year reign, and his record in that realm was not as good as his coaching. The Broncos won only one playoff game in the past 10 years.

Absolutely.

 

[eric rymer]

looks like we should have an answer from Pioli by today....ESPN

Report: Browns want Pioli decision soon

link:

The Cleveland Browns have set a Thursday deadline for New England Patriots vice president Scott Pioli to make a decision on becoming the Browns' top football executive, the Boston Herald reported, citing sources familiar with the negotiations.

According to the report, Pioli and Browns owner Randy Lerner, who met Wednesday in New York, left the meeting with no deal in place, but with a deadline for Pioli's decision.

The Herald previously reported that Lerner was prepared to make a "huge" financial offer to Pioli that would include full control of the Browns' football operations, and that Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz was Pioli's his first choice to replace Romeo Crennel as head coach.

The Herald reported that according to a source, Pioli made demands that would be impossible for any team to meet -- leaving some in the Browns organization wondering if Pioli really wants to leave the Patriots.

For the vacant coaching job, Lerner has met with former New York Jets coach Eric Mangini and set up interviews with New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo; Tennessee defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who spent three years in the Browns' personnel department as a pro and college scout in the 1990s; and Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, a Canton, Ohio, native. The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported the Browns also are interested in meeting with ex-Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Pioli, who has been coach Bill Belichick's right-hand man in the Patriots' front office since 2000, is also being sought by the Kansas City Chiefs, according to media reports.

But the Kansas City Star reported that Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt already has determined the team will split up the duties that had been the sole responsibility of former general manager Carl Peterson, with a new team president handling business affairs and a GM handling football operations. That would seem to run counter to Pioli's reported interest in full control.

Lerner also is expected to interview Atlanta Falcons president Rich McKay on Thursday.

 

[DawgPoundNJ]

Although it's best to do your due diligence with decisions of these magnitude, I like Lerner's aggressiveness here. It seems as if in the past we were used as leverage and bargaining tools and this time around he's having none of it. Rich McKay is a good choice, Parcells may become available, Shanahan is if the Browns want to go that route (although I'm no fan of his GM skills), and I wouldn't even mind Shack Harris from Jacksonville coming in for an interview.

No extended posturing. Good call by Lerner.

 

[Tom Servo]

I'd like Bernie to be associated in some way, I think he'd be a positive for the personnel department.However...Martz? Mike Martz? You have got to be f'n kidding me. You don't watch much outside of the Browns and the ESPN talking heads do you?

I love Mike Martz's offense. We have an ancient RB that hasn't many skills left, so why not just pass every down like Martz likes to do. At least our offense would be exciting again. As long as Martz has had a QB that fits well into his system (Jon Kitna in 2007 until he got hurt, finally started getting it with Hill toward the end of the year this year, Bulger, Warner), his offense runs up and down the field. We have a QB that would fit well with Martz in Quinn, and an OLine that should be able to give him the time to throw.Yeah, throwing Bernie in is obviously a heart decision for me, but I just love the guy. Also, I can't stand Bellicheck for what he did to Bernie, so I'm having a hard time with Piolli, being a part of this team. I can't stand Bellicheck, so this kind of puts me in Mangini's corner, anyone that dislikes Bellicheck, I tend to like.

There's a reason Martz has continually failed since the greatest show on turf came to an end, the rest of the league caught up to him and he hasn't been (and won't be) surrounded by that kind of talent since. I'd rather our franchise QB Quinn not get murdered like Martz's recent QB's have, our OLine is better than the ones Martz has had recently but not elite...and it'd take an elite OLine to protect the QB in Martz's scheme. Martz would be best served going to the college game a la June Jones. His old gameplan doesn't work anymore and he's shown he's incapable of implementing a new one, should work in the college game though.

 

[DawgPoundNJ]

Cancel that. No Thursday deadline for Pioli. Nice reporting, deeks (including ESPN).

Pioli not on Thursday deadlineby By Mary Kay Cabot Thursday January 01, 2009, 1:13 PMPatriots Vice President Scott Pioli is not on a deadline to give the Browns an answer Thursday on their general manager job, a league source with knowledge of the negotiations told the Plain Dealer Thursday. The Boston Herald reported late Wednesday that the Browns parted ways with Pioli on Wednesday with no agreement in place, but with a mandate to make his decision by Thursday. The source told the Plain Dealer that no timeframe was placed on the decision. Pioli intends to go through with his interview with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Browns still plan to interview Atlanta Falcons President Rich McKay -- if they don't have a deal in place with Pioli.However, with the Falcons preparing for their wildcard playoff game Saturday, the McKay interview -- which was originally schedule for today -- has been postponed until sometime after the game, a source said.The Herald also reported that Lerner was prepared to make "a huge'' financial offer to Pioli, but according to their sources, some of Pioli's demands were impossible for any team to meet.It is also not yet known if Pioli and fired Jets coach Eric Mangini could work together after Spygate. The Browns interviewed Mangini this week and he remains a strong candidate. They are continuing the process of interviewing other head coaching candidates this week such as Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Browns defensive coordinator Mel Tucker and Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

 

[Tecumseh]

Cancel that. No Thursday deadline for Pioli. Nice reporting, deeks (including ESPN).

Pioli not on Thursday deadline

by By Mary Kay Cabot

Thursday January 01, 2009, 1:13 PM

Patriots Vice President Scott Pioli is not on a deadline to give the Browns an answer Thursday on their general manager job, a league source with knowledge of the negotiations told the Plain Dealer Thursday. The Boston Herald reported late Wednesday that the Browns parted ways with Pioli on Wednesday with no agreement in place, but with a mandate to make his decision by Thursday.

The source told the Plain Dealer that no timeframe was placed on the decision. Pioli intends to go through with his interview with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Browns still plan to interview Atlanta Falcons President Rich McKay -- if they don't have a deal in place with Pioli.

However, with the Falcons preparing for their wildcard playoff game Saturday, the McKay interview -- which was originally schedule for today -- has been postponed until sometime after the game, a source said.

The Herald also reported that Lerner was prepared to make "a huge'' financial offer to Pioli, but according to their sources, some of Pioli's demands were impossible for any team to meet.

It is also not yet known if Pioli and fired Jets coach Eric Mangini could work together after Spygate. The Browns interviewed Mangini this week and he remains a strong candidate. They are continuing the process of interviewing other head coaching candidates this week such as Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Browns defensive coordinator Mel Tucker and Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

Satisfying the Rooney rule. While the defense wasn't as poor as many think, he has no business being seriously considered for the head job.

 

[Jason Wood]

For what it's worth, Ferentz was asked about the Browns rumors after the bowl win today and his statement was quite a bit different than what he's been saying the last few years. Usually Ferentz has taken the dismissive, "don't ask me about an NFL job, I have a job right now" kind of position, but this time he was far more open ended in his replies.

He said he and Pioli are "great friends" and while he hasn't spoken to him in "weeks", he would never rule out any scenario. He did say the obligatory "I have a great job right now" but made a point of saying that he's always been a guy who takes every decision as it comes.

I'm probably not conveying it appropriately but as I listened to him today, it sounded 100% like a coach who is ready, willing and able to take another gig if it's coming; which isn't the position he's taken the last few years.

 

[weasel3515]

Speculate all you want. Ferentz has a son who is enrolled at Iowa as a freshman and the family is happy there. Don't think any money could replace that. Now, after a few more successful seasons, and no national championship (since it's not the USuCks Condoms or FloriDuh Gaturds), then he might jump to the NFL.

 

[Bobcat10]

Mort - yikes

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported Saturday that Mangini is emerging as Lerner's favorite to succeed Romeo Crennel, based on a ''compelling'' interview Tuesday and Lerner's fascination with Mangini, 37. Starting his pro career as a ballboy and public relations intern with the Browns in 1994, Mangini, a protege of Bill Belichick, went 23-25 in three seasons as Jets coach.

Mortensen said if Mangini gets the job, the general manager position could go to George Kokinis, director of pro personnel for the Baltimore Ravens. Kokinis was an intern in the Browns' operations department in 1991 who worked his way up to college scouting assistant under Belichick. Kokinis has held his present job with the Ravens for six years.

According to Mortensen's sources, Pioli's demands in his interview Wednesday were extreme and Lerner hopes to compromise. Mortensen said Pioli's top choices as coach are believed to be University of Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz and McDaniels, 32, whose interview Friday was deemed impressive by a Browns source.

 

[dloew]

Mort - yikes

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported Saturday that Mangini is emerging as Lerner's favorite to succeed Romeo Crennel, based on a ''compelling'' interview Tuesday and Lerner's fascination with Mangini, 37. Starting his pro career as a ballboy and public relations intern with the Browns in 1994, Mangini, a protege of Bill Belichick, went 23-25 in three seasons as Jets coach.

Mortensen said if Mangini gets the job, the general manager position could go to George Kokinis, director of pro personnel for the Baltimore Ravens. Kokinis was an intern in the Browns' operations department in 1991 who worked his way up to college scouting assistant under Belichick. Kokinis has held his present job with the Ravens for six years.

Wasn't this approach already attempted with the last regime? Former Pat's assistant and Raven's front office guy.

 

[Bobcat10]

Mort - yikes

ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported Saturday that Mangini is emerging as Lerner's favorite to succeed Romeo Crennel, based on a ''compelling'' interview Tuesday and Lerner's fascination with Mangini, 37. Starting his pro career as a ballboy and public relations intern with the Browns in 1994, Mangini, a protege of Bill Belichick, went 23-25 in three seasons as Jets coach.

Mortensen said if Mangini gets the job, the general manager position could go to George Kokinis, director of pro personnel for the Baltimore Ravens. Kokinis was an intern in the Browns' operations department in 1991 who worked his way up to college scouting assistant under Belichick. Kokinis has held his present job with the Ravens for six years.

Wasn't this approach already attempted with the last regime? Former Pat's assistant and Raven's front office guy.

Exactly.Except last time only Romeo had ties back to the Browns.

 

[Kiddnets]

Did the Browns owner watch the last 5 games for the Jets? Mangini was awful - get ready for the 3-4 prevent defense, bombs on 3rd/4th and 1, kicking on 4th and 1 at all times - just awful. Hope this is a smokescreen for you guys - I actually like the Browns.

 

[amnesiac]

from what i've been reading, it sounds like the Browns are obsessed with Mangini, so much so they will basically let him pick his own personel guy.

doesn't this seem backwards to anyone?

i mean, it's one thing if the coach has won a ton of games and a superbowl, but what the heck are they thinking here?

 

[Kiddnets]

from what i've been reading, it sounds like the Browns are obsessed with Mangini, so much so they will basically let him pick his own personel guy.doesn't this seem backwards to anyone?i mean, it's one thing if the coach has won a ton of games and a superbowl, but what the heck are they thinking here?

ugh - this reeks of the Jets hiring Kotite years ago. Now no one is as bad as Richie but he was coming off a 6 game losing streak to miss the playoffs and the JEts ran to him and handed him the keys. I honestly though Mangini would get a gig as a DC and have to work his way up for a few years. To land on his feet AND have say into personnel is crazy. Browns must be thinking how much Bellichick improved his second stint - hope Quinn becoms Brady!

 

[amnesiac]

Browns must be thinking how much Bellichick improved his second stint - hope Quinn becoms Brady!

this is actually what i've been reading. they are convinced they need a coach who failed at his first HC job, because he will automatically turn into a genius the second time around.look, i don't really know much about Mangini, but this process just seems to be taking a wrong turn, especially when Lerner himself stated he wanted a GM before hiring a coach.

 

[mashers]

I'm going to crawl in a hole, come back out in a month, and hopefully all of this Mangina talk will be history.

 

[mr blond]

Patrick McManamon's article below takes a different angle on the Browns' HC/GM search.

LINK

Patrick McManamon: Browns' Lerner knows criticism to come with his game plan

Owner expects scrutiny, feels strongly Mangini-Kokinis tandem will bring wins

By Patrick McManamon

Beacon Journal sports columnist

POSTED: 12:14 p.m. EST, Jan 05, 2009

The Browns seem prepared to move down the road toward hiring Eric Mangini as their coach and George Kokinis as their personnel guru.

This train seems loaded. Whether it rolls will be answered when Kokinis interviews, and that won't happen until Sunday (according to Cleveland.com).

Mangini impressed Browns owner Randy Lerner greatly in an interview, and Kokinis (the Baltimore Ravens' director of pro personnel) is very close to Mangini, dating to their days working for Bill Belichick in Cleveland.

The moves will be scrutinized.

This isn't the hiring of Bill Cowher or Mike Shanahan or Mike Holmgren, and Lerner knows that he might have to ''sell'' the new team that will run his team.

But he feels strongly that this new team will help the Browns win.

And that's what matters to him. Because when all is said and done, all the questions about Mangini this or Kokinis that will go away — if the Browns win.

Lerner has remained mum about the hires, instead choosing to bury himself in the job. But discussions with NFL folks who have talked to people who have been interviewed and with other NFL folks who have observed the process have painted a picture of how the Browns got to this point.

They did it by making a decision that it didn't necessarily matter if the coach or GM were hired first and by making some judgments about the qualifications wanted in a coach.

Two factors were key, both of which sprung from the four-year experience with GM Phil Savage and coach Romeo Crennel.

That pair wound up not seeing eye to eye, and differences between them affected the team's ability to win, especially last season.

Lerner did not want a repeat.

So he insisted that the two people whom he hired be able to work together, which means they had to know each other and get along.

He also saw that Crennel hired two coordinators who eventually were replaced. A rookie coach, his research showed, was more likely to make mistakes with his key hires than one who had been through the battles.

That led him to conclude that the Browns of today need a coach with head coaching experience.

As Lerner studied and reflected on the experience of Belichick, he also decided that the best thing that the New England Patriots did was to create an environment where he could succeed. Forget Belichick's personality, forget the media complaints — make it where the guy can win and let him do his job.

That's what Lerner decided the best thing would be for the Browns — find the right guy, then create the environment and circumstances where he could win.

Lerner did not enter the search determined to find a GM or coach first. He instead focused on finding the ''right guy'' for either job.

Before interviewing, he went to several teams to ask: Who makes the decision on personnel?

With the Pittsburgh Steelers, decisions are agreed on by all, and the owner breaks any tie.

Other teams gave different answers. One team said the coach, another the GM, and others said it had to be a complete team decision.

That led Lerner to conclude that the most important thing was to find people who could work together.

Thus he requested and was granted permission to interview Kokinis, a come-from-nowhere dark horse who entered the picture because he and Mangini are very close. Clearly Mangini recommended him, and Lerner believes strongly enough in Mangini that he is willing to consider and perhaps go with Kokinis.

This gives a lot of influence to a guy who was fired from the New York Jets. But Lerner was intrigued the second that he heard Mangini had been fired.

He called him quickly, and when he interviewed Mangini, Lerner was more than impressed with Mangini's knowledge, his ability to explain that knowledge and his ability to show he could apply it.

He liked Mangini's plans for everything from putting in a disciplinary structure (something the Browns think was missing with Crennel) to how to run training camp to how to game-plan for a specific opponent.

He found him to be anything but ''Romeo Light,'' the term being used to knock Mangini's candidacy by those who thought that he was another hire just like Crennel.

These feelings blended well with other studies the Browns had conducted, studies that favored hiring a coach who had experience in one place but was still young in his development.

The team thinks that this would get the coach on the good side of the learning curve, so to speak, because he could learn from his mistakes.

Other candidates

It's why the Browns decided not to wait on Mike Shanahan, who had worked almost his entire NFL career with one owner and who wanted to take two weeks off after that owner fired him.

The Browns reached out to Shanahan several times, but eventually viewed him as being too emotional to take another job so quickly.

Brian Billick's approach did not fit what they wanted.

Mike Holmgren was committed to taking a year off.

There was never a real desire to go back to a Marty Schottenheimer.

And when Cowher said thanks but no thanks, the feeling grew that perhaps some of these coaches were just too entrenched with their former team. That no matter how hard a guy like Cowher tried, he would always be a Pittsburgh Steeler.

Scott Pioli interviewed to be the GM, but there has been no indication that he was eager to leave the Patriots, much less join the Browns.

Rich McKay of the Atlanta Falcons was considered strongly, but he delayed his interview and did not seem eager. His hiring also would entail hiring a personnel man and a coach, and Lerner evidently thought that he could accomplish the same thing without the extra layer of management with Mangini and Kokinis.

Deciding to hire a coach with some experience but not one entrenched and branded with a team limited the pool, especially because Lerner also did not want to wait for a coach in the playoffs.

Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey coached the Buffalo Bills for two years but was not viewed as having the same strategic abilities as Mangini.

Cam Cameron and **** LeBeau are with playoff teams.

Back to Mangini

Which leads the road back to Mangini, a Belichick-trained assistant who rose quickly with the Patriots to become defensive coordinator before he took the job with the Jets.

There are positives about him, starting with three years of head coaching experience and two winning seasons.

He is bright, organized (perhaps to a fault) and a workaholic.

He started his career as an intern in the Browns' public relations department, and when the Jets visited Cleveland two years ago, he sent the media lunch with a note that said: ''I don't forget where I came from.''

Concerns come mainly from his personality rather than his football IQ. He was said to be very difficult to work for, especially in his first season.

He ended the past season terribly, as an 8-3 record turned into a 9-7 finish. Losses came to the Miami Dolphins in the finale, but also to the Oakland Raiders, San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks. Between them, they won 16 games.

Some point to the fact that quarterback Brett Favre had a terrible December, and that Favre was foisted on Mangini late in training camp by owner Woody Johnson and GM Mike Tannenbaum.

Mangini also was criticized for some of the same on-field decisions that Crennel heard criticism. Field goals vs. touchdowns. Punting vs. kicking a field goal. Some of those calls, especially in a late-season loss to the Seahawks, did not sit well with Jets fans and media.

The Browns think that he will learn from those mistakes (if they were mistakes) and grow given a second chance.

Finally, Mangini is cut from the Belichick cloth that a hamstring injury is a ''leg'' injury and the timetable for return is ''day to day.'' He also wants a cone of silence around his team and reportedly fined players for talking about injuries and/or saying more to the media than he liked.

Hopefully he'll learn that being honest about injuries and being honest in general really does not affect who wins or loses. Especially because he's walking into an environment where fans are frustrated and being open will help heal some of the wounds.

Bottom line is winning

The Browns, and Lerner, understand the questions.

They don't hide from them. They just believe that the positives outweigh the negatives, and that a guy who is willing to learn and grow will be better the second time because of the things that happened the first.

Too, they see some of these things as decorations on the cake.

What matters to Lerner, and the team, is winning.

In a sense, this is the first time that Lerner has stepped with both feet into the operations of his team. John Collins was team president when Savage and Crennel were hired, and he had as much to do with their hiring as anyone.

Mike Keenan now is the team's president, but he's more of a financial/business guy. Lerner is making these hires.

He wants a coach with experience working with a front office guy whom he can trust and work together with.

No matter who was hired first, coach or GM, Lerner was going to ask the same question: Can you work with (insert name here)? If he found two people who could work together, his job was then to create an environment where the two could succeed.

He knows that he will have to sell this team, but he believes that he's on the right track.

And he believes that the wins and losses will justify sending the train out of the station.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Patrick McManamon can be reached at pmcmanamon@thebeaconjournal.com. Read his blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/mcmanamon/.

The Browns seem prepared to move down the road toward hiring Eric Mangini as their coach and George Kokinis as their personnel guru.

This train seems loaded. Whether it rolls will be answered when Kokinis interviews, and that won't happen until Sunday (according to Cleveland.com).

Mangini impressed Browns owner Randy Lerner greatly in an interview, and Kokinis (the Baltimore Ravens' director of pro personnel) is very close to Mangini, dating to their days working for Bill Belichick in Cleveland.

The moves will be scrutinized.

This isn't the hiring of Bill Cowher or Mike Shanahan or Mike Holmgren, and Lerner knows that he might have to ''sell'' the new team that will run his team.

But he feels strongly that this new team will help the Browns win.

And that's what matters to him. Because when all is said and done, all the questions about Mangini this or Kokinis that will go away — if the Browns win.

Lerner has remained mum about the hires, instead choosing to bury himself in the job. But discussions with NFL folks who have talked to people who have been interviewed and with other NFL folks who have observed the process have painted a picture of how the Browns got to this point.

They did it by making a decision that it didn't necessarily matter if the coach or GM were hired first and by making some judgments about the qualifications wanted in a coach.

Two factors were key, both of which sprung from the four-year experience with GM Phil Savage and coach Romeo Crennel.

That pair wound up not seeing eye to eye, and differences between them affected the team's ability to win, especially last season.

Lerner did not want a repeat.

So he insisted that the two people whom he hired be able to work together, which means they had to know each other and get along.

He also saw that Crennel hired two coordinators who eventually were replaced. A rookie coach, his research showed, was more likely to make mistakes with his key hires than one who had been through the battles.

That led him to conclude that the Browns of today need a coach with head coaching experience.

As Lerner studied and reflected on the experience of Belichick, he also decided that the best thing that the New England Patriots did was to create an environment where he could succeed. Forget Belichick's personality, forget the media complaints — make it where the guy can win and let him do his job.

That's what Lerner decided the best thing would be for the Browns — find the right guy, then create the environment and circumstances where he could win.

Lerner did not enter the search determined to find a GM or coach first. He instead focused on finding the ''right guy'' for either job.

Before interviewing, he went to several teams to ask: Who makes the decision on personnel?

With the Pittsburgh Steelers, decisions are agreed on by all, and the owner breaks any tie.

Other teams gave different answers. One team said the coach, another the GM, and others said it had to be a complete team decision.

That led Lerner to conclude that the most important thing was to find people who could work together.

Thus he requested and was granted permission to interview Kokinis, a come-from-nowhere dark horse who entered the picture because he and Mangini are very close. Clearly Mangini recommended him, and Lerner believes strongly enough in Mangini that he is willing to consider and perhaps go with Kokinis.

This gives a lot of influence to a guy who was fired from the New York Jets. But Lerner was intrigued the second that he heard Mangini had been fired.

He called him quickly, and when he interviewed Mangini, Lerner was more than impressed with Mangini's knowledge, his ability to explain that knowledge and his ability to show he could apply it.

He liked Mangini's plans for everything from putting in a disciplinary structure (something the Browns think was missing with Crennel) to how to run training camp to how to game-plan for a specific opponent.

He found him to be anything but ''Romeo Light,'' the term being used to knock Mangini's candidacy by those who thought that he was another hire just like Crennel.

These feelings blended well with other studies the Browns had conducted, studies that favored hiring a coach who had experience in one place but was still young in his development.

The team thinks that this would get the coach on the good side of the learning curve, so to speak, because he could learn from his mistakes.

Other candidates

It's why the Browns decided not to wait on Mike Shanahan, who had worked almost his entire NFL career with one owner and who wanted to take two weeks off after that owner fired him.

The Browns reached out to Shanahan several times, but eventually viewed him as being too emotional to take another job so quickly.

Brian Billick's approach did not fit what they wanted.

Mike Holmgren was committed to taking a year off.

There was never a real desire to go back to a Marty Schottenheimer.

And when Cowher said thanks but no thanks, the feeling grew that perhaps some of these coaches were just too entrenched with their former team. That no matter how hard a guy like Cowher tried, he would always be a Pittsburgh Steeler.

Scott Pioli interviewed to be the GM, but there has been no indication that he was eager to leave the Patriots, much less join the Browns.

Rich McKay of the Atlanta Falcons was considered strongly, but he delayed his interview and did not seem eager. His hiring also would entail hiring a personnel man and a coach, and Lerner evidently thought that he could accomplish the same thing without the extra layer of management with Mangini and Kokinis.

Deciding to hire a coach with some experience but not one entrenched and branded with a team limited the pool, especially because Lerner also did not want to wait for a coach in the playoffs.

Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey coached the Buffalo Bills for two years but was not viewed as having the same strategic abilities as Mangini.

Cam Cameron and **** LeBeau are with playoff teams.

Back to Mangini

Which leads the road back to Mangini, a Belichick-trained assistant who rose quickly with the Patriots to become defensive coordinator before he took the job with the Jets.

There are positives about him, starting with three years of head coaching experience and two winning seasons.

He is bright, organized (perhaps to a fault) and a workaholic.

He started his career as an intern in the Browns' public relations department, and when the Jets visited Cleveland two years ago, he sent the media lunch with a note that said: ''I don't forget where I came from.''

Concerns come mainly from his personality rather than his football IQ. He was said to be very difficult to work for, especially in his first season.

He ended the past season terribly, as an 8-3 record turned into a 9-7 finish. Losses came to the Miami Dolphins in the finale, but also to the Oakland Raiders, San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks. Between them, they won 16 games.

Some point to the fact that quarterback Brett Favre had a terrible December, and that Favre was foisted on Mangini late in training camp by owner Woody Johnson and GM Mike Tannenbaum.

Mangini also was criticized for some of the same on-field decisions that Crennel heard criticism. Field goals vs. touchdowns. Punting vs. kicking a field goal. Some of those calls, especially in a late-season loss to the Seahawks, did not sit well with Jets fans and media.

The Browns think that he will learn from those mistakes (if they were mistakes) and grow given a second chance.

Finally, Mangini is cut from the Belichick cloth that a hamstring injury is a ''leg'' injury and the timetable for return is ''day to day.'' He also wants a cone of silence around his team and reportedly fined players for talking about injuries and/or saying more to the media than he liked.

Hopefully he'll learn that being honest about injuries and being honest in general really does not affect who wins or loses. Especially because he's walking into an environment where fans are frustrated and being open will help heal some of the wounds.

Bottom line is winning

The Browns, and Lerner, understand the questions.

They don't hide from them. They just believe that the positives outweigh the negatives, and that a guy who is willing to learn and grow will be better the second time because of the things that happened the first.

Too, they see some of these things as decorations on the cake.

What matters to Lerner, and the team, is winning.

In a sense, this is the first time that Lerner has stepped with both feet into the operations of his team. John Collins was team president when Savage and Crennel were hired, and he had as much to do with their hiring as anyone.

Mike Keenan now is the team's president, but he's more of a financial/business guy. Lerner is making these hires.

He wants a coach with experience working with a front office guy whom he can trust and work together with.

No matter who was hired first, coach or GM, Lerner was going to ask the same question: Can you work with (insert name here)? If he found two people who could work together, his job was then to create an environment where the two could succeed.

He knows that he will have to sell this team, but he believes that he's on the right track.

And he believes that the wins and losses will justify sending the train out of the station.

 

[amnesiac]

so it sounds like Mangini/Kokinis is a done deal.

but i have heard some mention of Mularky as well. but it doesn't sound like McKay is very interested, which is who i would assume would be the other half of that combo.

any chance McKay gets back in the mix?

 

[MAC_32]

so it sounds like Mangini/Kokinis is a done deal.

but i have heard some mention of Mularky as well. but it doesn't sound like McKay is very interested, which is who i would assume would be the other half of that combo.

any chance McKay gets back in the mix?

I can't think of many options that will make me as disappointed as hiring Mangini but Mularkey would definitely be one of them.

 

[duece2626]

Rex Ryan would be my first choice if I were Lerner.

 

[amnesiac]

Lerner really seems to want a HC who is young with some experience. there aren't many of those guys out there.

 

[amnesiac]

so it sounds like Mangini/Kokinis is a done deal.

but i have heard some mention of Mularky as well. but it doesn't sound like McKay is very interested, which is who i would assume would be the other half of that combo.

any chance McKay gets back in the mix?

I can't think of many options that will make me as disappointed as hiring Mangini but Mularkey would definitely be one of them.

Matt Ryan seemed to do well with him this year.

 

[Browns Rule!]

For me this offseason, it was Cowher, Schottenheimer, or bust. Its looking more and more like its bust yet again for the brownies.

Now, how big of a bust are we going to get? I absolutely love Mangini(sp?). I may be so excited because Bellicheck and Mangini hate each other, and I can't stand Bellicheck, but I think of the busts, Mangini would be my favorite of the bust candidates. He will create discipline, which this team needs, and is a Browns fan.

 

[MAC_32]

so it sounds like Mangini/Kokinis is a done deal.

but i have heard some mention of Mularky as well. but it doesn't sound like McKay is very interested, which is who i would assume would be the other half of that combo.

any chance McKay gets back in the mix?

I can't think of many options that will make me as disappointed as hiring Mangini but Mularkey would definitely be one of them.

Matt Ryan seemed to do well with him this year.

Look at everything he did after leaving Pittsburgh and before getting to Atlanta.

 

[Tecumseh]

Now this I could get on board with...

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/...e_permissi.html

Browns receive permission to interview Eagles GM Heckert

by Mary Kay Cabot/Plain Dealer Reporter

Tuesday January 06, 2009, 9:08 PM

Getty Images/NFL

Eagles GM Tom Heckert.

The Browns have received permission to interview Eagles General Manager Tom Heckert for their GM vacancy, a league source confirmed to The Plain Dealer Tuesday night.

It is not yet known when the interview is, but the Eagles are preparing for their divisional playoff game Sunday against the Giants in New York. The Heckert story was first reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Heckert, widely regarded as one of the NFL's top executives, is in his eighth year with the Eagles and has been the team's GM since Jan. 2, 2006. He doesn't have final say over the 53-man roster, but works closely with coach Andy Reid on all personnel matters. He also manages the player personnel department, which includes both college and NFL scouting. In May, Heckert received a contract extension through 2011.

Heckert's father, Tom, a longtime NFL personnel man, was a scout for the Browns in the 1980s, so the job would probably have special meaning for Heckert.

Because he holds the title of GM and oversees the entire player personnel department, Heckert has a stronger resume than George Kokinis, the pro personnel director for the Ravens, who will be interviewed by the Browns on Sunday. Kokinis is the first choice for GM of coaching front-runner Eric Mangini.

It is not yet known how Heckert's addition to the mix impacts Mangini, who is the top choice of Browns owner Randy Lerner. Heckert has been more closely linked with Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who interviewed with the Browns last Thursday. Spagnuolo and Heckert worked together in Philadelphia and were viewed by some as a team heading into the off-season interview seesions.

Heckert's first draft with the Eagles produced three Pro Bowlers in Lito Sheppard, Michael Lewis, and Brian Westbrook. He's also known for unearthing key rookie free agents.

The Browns have also interviewed Patriots Vice President of Player Personnel Scott Pioli and Browns director of player personnel T.J. McCreight for their GM vacancy. Pioli has also interviewed with the Kansas City Chiefs.