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The Cleveland Browns announced today that Eric Mangini is their new head coach. Coach Mangini was just fired by the N.Y. Jets last week, but by accepting the Browns’ head coaching position, he is, in a sense, returning home. Coach Mangini began his NFL career as a ball boy with the Browns back in 1994 under then-coach Bill Belichick. He then followed coach Belichick to New England in 2000 before eventually departing for New York in 2006.

I think too much blame was placed on coach Mangini when the Jets lost four of their last five games to miss the playoffs. Of course, he is the head coach and the responsibility of the team ultimately falls on his shoulders. But I think he got a bad rap. He’s a good football coach and will hopefully do well with the Browns. That being said, I must admit I thought the decision was very quick for a couple reasons. First of all, coach Mangini is a former defensive coordinator. He’s a defensive guy. If the Browns need to have a focus, it would be on the offensive side of the ball where they were second to last in the entire NFL and didn’t score an offensive touchdown in their final six games. Of course, their defense wasn’t much better (26th statistically) so maybe I’m making too much out of that. But I must say — typically (unless it’s the Browns), a team will hire a general manager before a head coach. And since firing former GM Phil Savage along with former head coach Romeo Crennel as soon as this regular season ended, the Browns were in the market for two key ingredients. They are still in the market for a new GM. It seems kind of backwards and obviously didn’t work too well for Cleveland the last time around. Coach Mangini will talk with the media in an intro presser tomorrow.

Source: ClevelandBrowns.com, Photo: Newscom

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Browns Name Eric Mangini Head Coach

Moments after completing a disastrous 4-12 season, Cleveland Browns owner Randy Lerner announced the firing of general manager Phil Savage. This morning, the Browns continued their housecleaning by firing head coach Romeo Crennel. Both Mr. Savage and coach Crennel released statements today:

ROMEO CRENNEL

“I would like to thank Randy Lerner for giving me the opportunity to coach the Cleveland Browns. Some progress was made in my four years here, but not enough to go forward in this position. The support from the community and the fans has been greatly appreciated. Though this past year has been tough, my experience in Cleveland has been a good one. I did not win enough games so I must move on. Thank you for the opportunity.”

PHIL SAVAGE

“I would like to thank Randy Lerner for giving me the opportunity to work for the Cleveland Browns over these past four seasons. Things did not go as well as we had expected, particularly in 2008, however, I do anticipate this team bouncing back and having success in the future.”

Neither of these dismissals surprised me in the least. After flirting with the playoffs last season, the Browns were a monumental disappointment this season. Obviously, you have to sympathize with the team for losing their top two quarterbacks as a huge factor in not scoring an offensive touchdown in their final six games, but the carnage really started long before that. The Browns began the season with high expectations and an 0-3 record. Not entirely unlike Dallas, the Browns have a lot of talented players on their current roster but lack the team chemistry to get beyond the regular season. In Cleveland’s case, they weren’t even close.

Media rumors have been swirling for some time that former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher was in-line to be coach Crennel’s replacement. But coach Cowher confirmed his disinterest after a meeting with Mr. Lerner.

Source: ClevelandBrowns.com, NFL.com

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Cleveland Browns Begin Housecleaning, Romeo Crennel and Phil Savage Fired

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I’ve heard the rumors over the past few months, but apparently former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach (and former Cleveland Browns player and coach) Bill Cowher has been approached about the possibility of coaching the Browns. The report said the Browns are willing to offer coach Cowher a contract worth between $8-9 million per season. I don’t doubt the validity of the offer, but I question whether coach Cowher wants to return to the game. At that rate of compensation, and if he would have the control he wants (meaning Browns GM Phil Savage would probably be ousted), it would have to be pretty tempting. My guess is that he won’t say a word about it until after the season if over. At that time, look for negotiations to heat up. I believe coach Cowher will be back on NFL sidelines in 2009.

Source: ProFootballTalk.com, Photo: Newscom

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Cleveland Browns Courting Bill Cowher?

The Cleveland Browns suspended tight end Kellen Winslow for one game without pay for his recent comments that were determined detrimental to the team. Here is the full statement issued by Browns GM Phil Savage today:

“The Cleveland Browns are committed to winning and taking care of our players. We are also committed to protecting the privacy of our players, particularly with regard to medical issues. To that end, following discussions with Kellen Winslow and his representation, the Browns agreed to make every effort to maintain the confidentiality of his recent medical condition.

“As an organization, we have worked hard to ensure the safety and well-being of our players. Consistent with this effort, we have consulted the team’s medical experts to ensure that any instances of staph infections are evaluated and treated thoroughly and expeditiously, and in accordance with the recommended standard of care. Further, steps have been and continue to be taken on a daily, monthly, and yearly basis to protect our players and personnel at our training facility and stadium.

“During training camp, the entire team took part in an extensive presentation by experts in the field of infectious diseases. It was an educational meeting that informed players of the issues, how to prevent and minimize the risks of infection, and what preventative measures we as an organization had employed to assure maximum safety for the team combined with a Q&A session for the players. Kellen was in attendance at that meeting. Since that meeting, not one player has approached me, Romeo Crennel, or our medical staff with concerns as to how we have dealt with this issue.

“Kellen has expressed his desire to be a productive member of the Cleveland Browns. His comments and behavior on Sunday evening, however, were unwarranted, inappropriate, and unnecessarily disparaging to our organization. His statements brought unjustified negative attention to our organization, and violated the team-first concept of our football squad. Therefore, disciplinary action will be taken in the form of a one-game suspension without pay for conduct detrimental to the club.

“Beginning Wednesday, the focus of the coaches and players will be on preparing for the upcoming game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.”

Kellen’s teammates tried to talk him out of his tirade to the media, but Kellen decided it was worth $235,294 — his one-game paycheck — to speak his mind. This is a tough one. Mr. Savage’s statement makes it sound like — as a player — if you were at the scheduled educational seminar on how to avoid contracting a staph infection, you should be expected to not get a staph infection. And if you do — no matter what rumors are going around about your condition — the team will cover it up as an “undisclosed illness.”

The Browns weren’t protecting Kellen. They were protecting their own reputation. Nevertheless, Kellen should have kept his comments to himself and encouraged Mr. Savage to come clean with the truth about why he was in the hospital. If Kellen already went down that road to no avail and can afford to lose almost a quarter of a million dollars to tell his story, I say go for it.

Source: ClevelandBrowns.com

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Browns Suspend Kellen Winslow

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I was saddened to hear that the Cleveland Browns terminated the contract of defensive back Gary Baxter today. Avid readers of EMQB know that Gary is one of, if not my favorite player in the National Football League. His nearly two-year comeback from torn patella tendons in both knees — one of the most remarkable injury stories in the history of the NFL — has been brought to a temporary halt. It was a miracle that Gary could even walk again let alone play football, but his dogged determination has been both inspirational and courageous, to say the least. His most recent setback was arthroscopic surgery earlier this week because of the pain in his knees, thus prompting this undoubtedly difficult decision. Browns Senior Vice President and General Manager Phil Savage said in a statement today:

“Last year we were able to hold a roster spot open for Gary as he attempted to make a monumental comeback. After he underwent a knee scope last week, we are unfortunately not in a position to hold a roster spot this year. We are releasing Gary today in hopes he will be able to continue his rehab and get back into the NFL, either with another team, or possibly with the Browns. Gary has made tremendous strides thus far and we believe he can play professional football again in the future.”

Knowing Gary as I do, he will look at this as an opportunity rather than a setback. I expect him to continue to work hard (he doesn’t know any other way) and hopefully return to the Browns sometime this season.

Source: ClevelandBrowns.com

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Browns Terminate Gary Baxter’s Contract

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Cleveland Browns offensive lineman LeCharles Bentley was cleared to practice with the team at their minicamp which began today. LeCharles hasn’t played in a game since 2005 where he was a two-time All-Pro with the Saints. After being picked up as a free agent by the Browns following that 2005 season, it’s been nothing but frustration for all involved. LeCharles went down on the first day of contact drills in 2006 training camp with a torn patella tendon. After surgery to repair the tendon, he tore it slightly again and then suffered a staph infection in the left knee that required three more surgeries. Two years later, here we are. Browns GM Phil Savage said:

“It’s been a long road back for LeCharles. We have to give him a lot of credit for the amount of work and effort he’s put into this. To what extent he practices, I couldn’t tell you that right now. We’re going to try monitor the rehab and help him through it.”

Oddly enough, come training camp there’s no longer a guarantee that LeCharles will be a starter on a talented O-line that includes Joe Thomas, Hank Fraley, Ryan Tucker, Rex Hadnot and Eric Steinbach. At the very least, he’ll provide depth until he’s 100%. And quality depth at the foundation of your offense can’t be beat ….. More good news for Browns fans: DB Gary Baxter (who tore patella tendons in both of his knees) also practiced today.

Source: Cleveland.com

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LeCharles Bentley Practices With Browns

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I was happy to see Gary Baxter sign a one-year deal to stay with the Cleveland Browns today. Gary’s had more than his share of health problems since he arrived in Cleveland. He’s only played in eight games with the Browns since they signed him to a six-year, $30 million free agent deal in March 2005. As avid readers know, Gary’s one of my favorite players and his story is an incredible demonstration of courage and determination. When he returns to the playing field, he’ll become the first NFL player to make it back from two torn patellar tendons, the most serious of his numerous injuries over the past few years. Upon signing the contract today, Gary said:

“Both Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel brought me back and that shows a lot of loyalty and respect on the Browns’ behalf. They know how hard I’ve been working. I’m running and feeling good. I’m putting in everything I’ve got. Things are looking very positive.”

And positive is Gary’s middle name. This is a business and the Browns had no obligation to bring Gary back without any assurance of his effectiveness. This is a talented young team on the verge of the playoffs and they need every advantage they can get. Believe me, Gary is not only going to be an advantage on the field, he’ll be an advantage in the locker room as well. There couldn’t be a better example of commitment in any walk of life than what Gary Baxter’s accomplished just to walk again, let alone play a professional sport. I applaud the Browns for sticking with him. Gary will return to the team as a safety (instead of cornerback) because of the speed he’s lost in rehab. And I believe he’ll have no problem whatsoever adjusting to that position. When he was attempting a comeback last fall, I had the chance to interview him just prior to his expected return. Although he didn’t make it back last season, he plans to be ready for training camp in ‘08.

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Gary Baxter Gets Another Shot With Browns

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The Cleveland Browns are doing more than staying competitive this offseason. The Browns are preparing themselves for a Super Bowl run. First, they locked up QB Derek Anderson for three-years yesterday. Then they got him another weapon on offense — former New England Patriots WR Donte Stallworth. The Browns are wisely building their team around their quarterbacks — Derek and Brady Quinn. GM Phil Savage said:

“Donte’ will be the major addition to our offense this year. He will bring legitimate speed, quickness and playmaking ability to the receiving corps and add a different dimension to the skill players we already have in place.”

He’s not kidding. Combining Donte with Braylon Edwards, Jamal Lewis, Kellen Winslow, Josh Cribbs, and Joe Jurivicius gives Cleveland a serious upgrade to the NFL’s already eighth-best offense (2007).

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Donte’ Stallworth Agrees to Deal With Browns

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Cleveland Browns QB Derek Anderson wasn’t a free agent for long. After turning down a three-year, $20 million deal from the Browns before the free agency signing period began this morning, Derek agreed to a multi-year deal with the team today. Why he waited a couple of hours beyond the deadline is beyond me. Apparently, there was some interest from another team(s) in order for him to turn the deal down in the first place, but he did a quick about-face and stayed with the Browns. Cleveland has Brady Quinn waiting in the wings so either way, Cleveland was covered. Had Derek signed with another team, the Browns would have had a week to match that offer, but GM Phil Savage indicated the team likely would have let Derek go and receive first- and third-round picks in April’s Draft as compensation. As it stands, Cleveland has two quality QBs heading into the 2008 season. But who starts?

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Derek Anderson Re-Signs With Browns