Romeo may be out and Marty is possibly back (1 Viewer)

[davidwb]

scrolled by on the bottom of the screen

 

[Blue-Kun]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3752018

The Cleveland Browns are formulating a plan that ultimately could lead to the return of Marty Schottenheimer as their coach for the 2009 season, according to sources.

The Browns would also be open to considering Bill Cowher if he sends stronger signals that he's ready to return, the sources said.

The Browns plan to fire coach Romeo Crennel after a disappointing year, regardless of injuries the team has suffered, the sources said. Pubicly, owner Randy Lerner has only said he will evaluate Crennel after the season.

The future of general manager Phil Savage also has been the source of speculation by various media outlets. Sources said Lerner prefers to retain Savage to run his personnel department but could scale back his overall duties, which include the final say on all roster moves.

Before the 2008 season, Savage signed a four-year contract extension for an average of $2.7 million per year, the sources said.

However, Lerner is contemplating a different authority -- or "voice" of the franchise -- that can filled by an experienced coach like Cowher or Schottenheimer, the sources said.

Schottenheimer recently said he had no plans to return to the sidelines, but sources said he would consider coming back "for the job ... with a team that has a good core of talent."

Schottenheimer, 65, was fired by the San Diego Chargers after leading the team to a 14-2 record in 2006 and a first-round playoff bye. But a home second-round playoff loss to the New England Patriots and a broken relationship with general manager A.J. Smith led to a surprising dismissal in February 2007. Several Chargers players were upset that Schottenheimer was fired.

Schottenheimer was the Browns' defensive coordinator under Sam Rutigliano in 1980 but took over as head coach when Rutigliano was fired midway through the 1984 season. Schottenheimer had a 44-27 record with the Browns, won three divisional titles, had four playoff appearances and two AFC Championship Game appearances before he was fired by owner Art Modell.

Overall, in coaching stints with the Browns, Chiefs, Redskins and Chargers, Scottenheimer is one of only seven coaches with at least 200 career victories. His playoff record is 5-13.

Chris Mortensen is a senior NFL analyst for ESPN.

Related Topics: Cleveland Browns

 

[davidwb]

thanks for finding and posting the espn story, blue! i saw the headline scroll by on the TV.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

Oh this sounds like a splendid plan.

 

[Da Guru]

Romeo will not care, he just inked an extension after last season.

 

[Retire_Already_Oscar]

As bad of coach as grimace was, it was always fun to watch him waddle on the sidelines trying to get the ref's attention.

 

[hauser42]

Bringing Marty back will bring back some fans, but they need to make moves to the roster.

No the team will have an issue on defense since they are a 3-4 team and Marty usually has a 4-3 team. So now they will have to get players that fit into the new scheme. Offense will need to find a back that can take the pounding that goes with being a #1 guy. Lewis is to old to take the ball so many times over the course of the season.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Too bad firing Braylon wasn't an option...

 

[Raider Nation]

I listen to Marty every Monday morning on "The Blitz" show on Sirius NFL radio.

Multiple callers ask him week after week if he'd like to come back. After disgustingly loud slurping of spit right into the microphone before each statement he utters (I'm not joking, sadly), he repeatedly says "I never say never, but I just don't see myself coaching again."

I guess money talks.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

No the team will have an issue on defense since they are a 3-4 team and Marty usually has a 4-3 team. So now they will have to get players that fit into the new scheme.

He's coached both. He ran a 3-4 in Cleveland in the mid-80s. Not that it matters, Cleveland needs to add defensive players that can play period.

 

[duece2626]

Bringing Marty back will bring back some fans, but they need to make moves to the roster.

No the team will have an issue on defense since they are a 3-4 team and Marty usually has a 4-3 team. So now they will have to get players that fit into the new scheme. Offense will need to find a back that can take the pounding that goes with being a #1 guy. Lewis is to old to take the ball so many times over the course of the season.

The Browns are hardly a 3-4 team. They don't have the personal to run this type of D, but Romeo is the coach so...

 

[Raider Nation]

The real question is...

 

[thecardiackid]

As bad of coach as grimace was, it was always fun to watch him waddle on the sidelines trying to get the ref's attention.

yet somehow even more embarassing as a CLE fan.dude HAS to go - though I'd much prefer Cowher.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Bringing Marty back will bring back some fans, but they need to make moves to the roster.

No the team will have an issue on defense since they are a 3-4 team and Marty usually has a 4-3 team. So now they will have to get players that fit into the new scheme. Offense will need to find a back that can take the pounding that goes with being a #1 guy. Lewis is to old to take the ball so many times over the course of the season.

The Browns are hardly a 3-4 team. They don't have the personal to run this type of D, but Romeo is the coach so...

marty was 3-4 in SD

 

[duece2626]

Bringing Marty back will bring back some fans, but they need to make moves to the roster.

No the team will have an issue on defense since they are a 3-4 team and Marty usually has a 4-3 team. So now they will have to get players that fit into the new scheme. Offense will need to find a back that can take the pounding that goes with being a #1 guy. Lewis is to old to take the ball so many times over the course of the season.

The Browns are hardly a 3-4 team. They don't have the personal to run this type of D, but Romeo is the coach so...

marty was 3-4 in SD

Ok, what's your point?

 

[top dog]

Wouldn't that be a violation of the Rooney rule if they already had Marty signed? Don't they have to at least interview a minority?

 

[Bojang0301]

Wouldn't that be a violation of the Rooney rule if they already had Marty signed? Don't they have to at least interview a minority?

Marty is not signed. The OP is being ambitious and needs to change his title or a member of the staff does.

 

[davidwb]

Wouldn't that be a violation of the Rooney rule if they already had Marty signed? Don't they have to at least interview a minority?

Marty is not signed. The OP is being ambitious and needs to change his title or a member of the staff does.

Well, no -- the title clearly states it is according to ESPN and that was what their screen scroll stated. Moreover, the link to Chris Mortenson's piece doesn't mention the Rooney Rule at all. So, the title is exactly correct -- perhaps it is ESPN that needs to modify what it's saying?

 

[Die]

Bringing Marty back will bring back some fans, but they need to make moves to the roster.No the team will have an issue on defense since they are a 3-4 team and Marty usually has a 4-3 team. So now they will have to get players that fit into the new scheme. Offense will need to find a back that can take the pounding that goes with being a #1 guy. Lewis is to old to take the ball so many times over the course of the season.

Actually the Browns really don't have the personnel for a 3-4. A 3-4 requires quality LBs and the Browns really don't have that. They actually are more suited to the 4-3, imo.

 

[duece2626]

Bringing Marty back will bring back some fans, but they need to make moves to the roster.

No the team will have an issue on defense since they are a 3-4 team and Marty usually has a 4-3 team. So now they will have to get players that fit into the new scheme. Offense will need to find a back that can take the pounding that goes with being a #1 guy. Lewis is to old to take the ball so many times over the course of the season.

Actually the Browns really don't have the personnel for a 3-4. A 3-4 requires quality LBs and the Browns really don't have that. They actually are more suited to the 4-3, imo.

Post #11

 

[Die]

Bringing Marty back will bring back some fans, but they need to make moves to the roster.

No the team will have an issue on defense since they are a 3-4 team and Marty usually has a 4-3 team. So now they will have to get players that fit into the new scheme. Offense will need to find a back that can take the pounding that goes with being a #1 guy. Lewis is to old to take the ball so many times over the course of the season.

Actually the Browns really don't have the personnel for a 3-4. A 3-4 requires quality LBs and the Browns really don't have that. They actually are more suited to the 4-3, imo.

Post #11

If Marty is in I'd guess they look for a pass rushing DE with the first rounder and go 4-3. There seems to be quite a few on the board at their pick, too. DEs Brian Orakpo, Michael Johnson, Greg Hardy, and Everette Brown all could go in the top 15.

 

[NoFBinLA]

Per rotoworld

Browns Offense-TM- Browns Dec. 7 - 10:19 pm et Despite an ESPN report that the Browns are looking at Marty Schottenheimer to fill their impending head-coaching vacancy, Schottenheimer said last week that returning to the sidelines is "not likely at all."The Browns can look at Marty all they want, but he turns 66 in 2009 and may not want to resume coaching. Schottenheimer has been doing spot work for the NFL Network and ESPN since the Chargers fired him in February 2007.Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer

So it doesn't sound like ESPN was right.Or the Browns are attempting to let Crennel know before the press does officially.

 

[Finless]

Crennel going back to the Pats

 

[BoltBacker]

Per rotoworld

Browns Offense-TM- Browns Dec. 7 - 10:19 pm et Despite an ESPN report that the Browns are looking at Marty Schottenheimer to fill their impending head-coaching vacancy, Schottenheimer said last week that returning to the sidelines is "not likely at all."The Browns can look at Marty all they want, but he turns 66 in 2009 and may not want to resume coaching. Schottenheimer has been doing spot work for the NFL Network and ESPN since the Chargers fired him in February 2007.Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer

So it doesn't sound like ESPN was right.Or the Browns are attempting to let Crennel know before the press does officially.

Oh, I don't know. How many times has Bill Parcells quit football for good? I think for some of these guys it's hard wired into their personality. They may need breaks from the game from time to time but as long as there is a vacancy there will always be interest in returning to "the right situation".I hope it's true, although I wish Marty would return to caoch in the NFC. If Marty does land the job in CLE I think he leads them to the playoffs in two years. In particular I think his personality would have a big influence on a guy like Kellen Winslow. The NFL needs great coaches and Marty is one of the best.

 

[cstu]

As bad of coach as grimace was, it was always fun to watch him waddle on the sidelines trying to get the ref's attention.

yet somehow even more embarassing as a CLE fan.

dude HAS to go - though I'd much prefer Cowher.

I hope this move makes it more likely that Cowher goes to SD.

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

Oh this sounds like a splendid plan.

Then 4 years after that they can replace Marty with Norv Turner. Then 3 years after that they can replace Norv with Wade Phillips.When will these owners learn?

 

[Tanner9919]

I listen to Marty every Monday morning on "The Blitz" show on Sirius NFL radio.Multiple callers ask him week after week if he'd like to come back. After disgustingly loud slurping of spit right into the microphone before each statement he utters (I'm not joking, sadly), he repeatedly says "I never say never, but I just don't see myself coaching again."I guess money talks.

coaches saying 'never' is their way of getting the most out of any potential deal. Parcells has used this trick for decades.that term usually means,as you say, if the price is right, I'll come back to coach for you.after all the lousy first time head coaches like Lane Kiffin, Romeo Crennel, Jim Mora(PR), Bobby Petrino, Nick Saban, Tom Cable, Jack Del Rio , etc, a guy like Marty is worth his weight in gold..they guy produces winning teams everywhere he goes..he just can't win the big one..but, if a competitive team is what you want, a team that goes to the post season every single year, he's your guy..if you want to hire a fluff piece like Del Rio or Kiffin, Crennel, Saban, Mora(Jr), Petrino, you get what you pay for, i.e., underachieving teams who are poorly coached and rarely win..

 

[FlapJacks]

Crennel and Weis both have failed to bring any of that Belicik (sp?) magic.

Will Cassel?

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Bringing Marty back will bring back some fans, but they need to make moves to the roster.

No the team will have an issue on defense since they are a 3-4 team and Marty usually has a 4-3 team. So now they will have to get players that fit into the new scheme. Offense will need to find a back that can take the pounding that goes with being a #1 guy. Lewis is to old to take the ball so many times over the course of the season.

The Browns are hardly a 3-4 team. They don't have the personal to run this type of D, but Romeo is the coach so...

marty was 3-4 in SD

Ok, what's your point?

Hauser said marty usually is 4-3,

 

[MAC_32]

I'd rather have a coordinator.

And we don't have the personnel to effectively run any defense right now. 3-4, 4-3, 46, engage eight, cover 2, prevent, who gives a ####, we'd suck at all of them.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Bill Cowher ?

 

[MAC_32]

Bill Cowher ?

Obviously he's at the top of the wish list, but getting our hopes up would be a recipe for a let down.

 

[Bojang0301]

Wouldn't that be a violation of the Rooney rule if they already had Marty signed? Don't they have to at least interview a minority?

Marty is not signed. The OP is being ambitious and needs to change his title or a member of the staff does.

Well, no -- the title clearly states it is according to ESPN and that was what their screen scroll stated. Moreover, the link to Chris Mortenson's piece doesn't mention the Rooney Rule at all. So, the title is exactly correct -- perhaps it is ESPN that needs to modify what it's saying?

No it says the Browns are eying Marty... and further state within the article that a) Romeo hasn't been fired b) Marty hasn't been contacted and c) Marty may not even be considering coaching. What is according to ESPN is RUMOR that the Browns may be looking at Marty for a possible replacement to Romeo not that it is certain which the title of this thread is suggesting and why it is ambitious.

 

[3C's]

Bill Cowher ?

Obviously he's at the top of the wish list, but getting our hopes up would be a recipe for a let down.

He's likely #1 on the list, but he's saying (for now at least) that he's not interested. He's enjoying his TV gig and being able to watch all the games. He'd also want control of the decisions which would mean Savage would either have to go or have his role diminished. Not sure if the Browns are willing to do that.

 

[duece2626]

Bringing Marty back will bring back some fans, but they need to make moves to the roster.

No the team will have an issue on defense since they are a 3-4 team and Marty usually has a 4-3 team. So now they will have to get players that fit into the new scheme. Offense will need to find a back that can take the pounding that goes with being a #1 guy. Lewis is to old to take the ball so many times over the course of the season.

The Browns are hardly a 3-4 team. They don't have the personal to run this type of D, but Romeo is the coach so...

marty was 3-4 in SD

Ok, what's your point?

Hauser said marty usually is 4-3,

Oh. Wondered why you quoted me as well is all.

 

[Jason Wood]

Interesting. If I'm a Ravens, Steelers or Bengals fan, I'm rooting for Marty b/c that means no Cowher.

 

[buck naked]

So, I guess Braylon Edwards will never return to double digit td's if this is true.

Marty = death of the WR.

 

[kncks12]

I find this hard to believe, as Marty was just on Sirius the other day, Shein asked him if he would come back, and Marty simply stated no. But, hey money talks.

 

[MAC_32]

Bill Cowher ?

Obviously he's at the top of the wish list, but getting our hopes up would be a recipe for a let down.

He's likely #1 on the list, but he's saying (for now at least) that he's not interested. He's enjoying his TV gig and being able to watch all the games. He'd also want control of the decisions which would mean Savage would either have to go or have his role diminished. Not sure if the Browns are willing to do that.

Based on what I got out of Savage's presser last week he will leave the team if he's asked to take on a diminished role.

 

[Chadstroma]

So this means that the Browns will be a good in season team that will lose in the playoffs the first chance they get.

 

[Shart]

Bill Cowher ?

Obviously he's at the top of the wish list, but getting our hopes up would be a recipe for a let down.

He's likely #1 on the list, but he's saying (for now at least) that he's not interested. He's enjoying his TV gig and being able to watch all the games. He'd also want control of the decisions which would mean Savage would either have to go or have his role diminished. Not sure if the Browns are willing to do that.

Based on what I got out of Savage's presser last week he will leave the team if he's asked to take on a diminished role.

I was on the road listening to the show today. Shein saw the banner run across the bottom of ESPN. He pointed it out to Marty and Marty just laughed. He said he has had no discussions with the Cleveland Browns. He did once again say "never say never". He said he would not require complete control, and that he has had thoughts of coaching again because he loves it. But he said it would have to be for the right people and he estimates his chances of coaching Cleveland next year at "around 10%".

 

[notdarkyet]

Interesting. If I'm a Ravens, Steelers or Bengals fan, I'm rooting for Marty b/c that means no Cowher.

Word.

 

[BoltBacker]

So this means that the Browns will be a good in season team that will lose in the playoffs the first chance they get.

The Browns are 0-1 in the playoffs since 1995.I'm guessing the four full seasons when Marty was coaching the Browns and not only got them to the playoffs every year but lost two heart-breaking Conference Championships don't sound so bad to Browns fans anymore.To me Marty and Cowher are both great coaches but there is less separating the two than is being implied in this thread.

 

[Kleck]

Bringing Marty back will bring back some fans, but they need to make moves to the roster.

No the team will have an issue on defense since they are a 3-4 team and Marty usually has a 4-3 team. So now they will have to get players that fit into the new scheme. Offense will need to find a back that can take the pounding that goes with being a #1 guy. Lewis is to old to take the ball so many times over the course of the season.

Actually the Browns really don't have the personnel for a 3-4. A 3-4 requires quality LBs and the Browns really don't have that. They actually are more suited to the 4-3, imo.

Post #11

If Marty is in I'd guess they look for a pass rushing DE with the first rounder and go 4-3. There seems to be quite a few on the board at their pick, too. DEs Brian Orakpo, Michael Johnson, Greg Hardy, and Everette Brown all could go in the top 15.

Wimbley??? He played DE at FSU. Would still need another DE and some depthI also thought Corey Williams looked better from the inside under the Packers' 4-3 than he has playing outside on the Browns' 3-4.

 

[MAC_32]

Bringing Marty back will bring back some fans, but they need to make moves to the roster.

No the team will have an issue on defense since they are a 3-4 team and Marty usually has a 4-3 team. So now they will have to get players that fit into the new scheme. Offense will need to find a back that can take the pounding that goes with being a #1 guy. Lewis is to old to take the ball so many times over the course of the season.

Actually the Browns really don't have the personnel for a 3-4. A 3-4 requires quality LBs and the Browns really don't have that. They actually are more suited to the 4-3, imo.

Post #11

If Marty is in I'd guess they look for a pass rushing DE with the first rounder and go 4-3. There seems to be quite a few on the board at their pick, too. DEs Brian Orakpo, Michael Johnson, Greg Hardy, and Everette Brown all could go in the top 15.

Wimbley??? He played DE at FSU. Would still need another DE and some depthI also thought Corey Williams looked better from the inside under the Packers' 4-3 than he has playing outside on the Browns' 3-4.

Williams hasn't been anywhere near 100% all season but has played hurt because there's nothing behind him with both Smith's hurt.Wimbley is playing like a complimentary DE, not a #1. There are games that Alex Hall looks better out there, a rookie 7th rounder. Yea, I know.

Finally, I will be drinking very heavily if we take Michael Johnson in the 1st round. I like Orakpo and Hardy though.

 

[hauser42]

Bringing Marty back will bring back some fans, but they need to make moves to the roster.

No the team will have an issue on defense since they are a 3-4 team and Marty usually has a 4-3 team. So now they will have to get players that fit into the new scheme. Offense will need to find a back that can take the pounding that goes with being a #1 guy. Lewis is to old to take the ball so many times over the course of the season.

Actually the Browns really don't have the personnel for a 3-4. A 3-4 requires quality LBs and the Browns really don't have that. They actually are more suited to the 4-3, imo.

Post #11

If Marty is in I'd guess they look for a pass rushing DE with the first rounder and go 4-3. There seems to be quite a few on the board at their pick, too. DEs Brian Orakpo, Michael Johnson, Greg Hardy, and Everette Brown all could go in the top 15.

Wimbley??? He played DE at FSU. Would still need another DE and some depthI also thought Corey Williams looked better from the inside under the Packers' 4-3 than he has playing outside on the Browns' 3-4.

Williams hasn't been anywhere near 100% all season but has played hurt because there's nothing behind him with both Smith's hurt.Wimbley is playing like a complimentary DE, not a #1. There are games that Alex Hall looks better out there, a rookie 7th rounder. Yea, I know.

Finally, I will be drinking very heavily if we take Michael Johnson in the 1st round. I like Orakpo and Hardy though.

Corey Williams was a DT for the Packers last year but he also played end at times. He was a solid swing guy, but he also benefited from the team rotating 4 guys at DT last year. He was fresher later in the game against O-lines.There needs to be a seriuos upgrade on defense if this team wants to contend in their division.