Eric Mangini was fired by the Browns after two 5-11 seasons as coach, a move that was expected. The team made the announcement just after 10 a.m. ET.
Maybe they should hire Chris Brown as the next head coach. He’s already got the “Brown” label. He’s good at hitting people and he’s got nothing better to do now a days… Just a thought.
Team president Mike Holmgren released a statement that read: “This decision was not easy for me, and it was one into which I put a great deal of thought. Although we have made improvements this season, my responsibility is to ensure that we establish a program that will allow this team to compete at a championship level. That will continue to be our goal in everything we do. I want to thank Eric for all of his contributions to the Cleveland Browns, and wish him and his family the best of luck in the future.”
There was no word about who would replace Mangini. Holmgren said in an afternoon news conference that as of now he will not consider himself a candidate. He will conduct a thorough search that will include experienced head coaches, top assistants and coaches from college. It just will not — initially at least — include him.
As of right now, I am the president of the Cleveland Browns and my job is to find the best coach available, the right coach available for this job,” Holmgren said. “That’s what I am trying to do and that does not include me right now.”
Jon Gruden, John Fox and Marty Mornhinweg would be among the certain candidates. Holmgren said he had not talked to either Gruden (who grew up in Sandusky, near Cleveland) or Fox as of early Monday afternoon. The Browns did ask for permission to interview Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell.
Mangini was quoted in the statement, and was gracious.
“The experience coaching the Cleveland Browns the past two years has been tremendous,” he said. “I appreciate the opportunity that the Lerner family gave me. I have a deep respect for the players that I have coached the past two years and how they have made a profound difference in changing the culture — a tougher, smarter, more competitive, selfless team that never gave up. Our goal was to build a team for long-term success. The core characteristics we were dedicated to, I believe, will help achieve that goal, and have provided a strong identity for this football team and have helped to create a positive foundation upon which the organization can continue to build.
“I feel strongly that the Cleveland Browns are headed in a very positive direction and greatly value the commitment and exceptional efforts of the coaches, players and everyone in the building that I’ve worked with in trying to help achieve our goals. My family and I have thoroughly enjoyed living in the Cleveland community and appreciate the support and passion of the fans. I know Mike and Tom are also dedicated to building a championship caliber organization and wish them nothing but success.”
Holmgren said his decision was difficult but came down to a poor finish and poor records.
“I like the man a lot,” Holmgren said of Mangini. “He is a hard working, bright, caring guy. Unfortunately this business at times and even though it wasn’t the only factor, I want to win here. We want to win here in Cleveland and we did not win enough games this year.”
Mangini’s assistants are under contract for another year. Holmgren met with them Monday and told them to take a week off, but to let him know if they had another opportunity. He will meet again with them in a week.
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