Cleveland Browns (2008 Season)

[billmac91]

I'm seriously nearing the end of my rope with this organization. Who hires a coach before bringing in a personnel guy? I've been saying this is as critical a hire as this organization has seen and it smells like history is just repeating itself. [censored]ing great.

is it official??...haven't seen it confirmed anywhere

I thought when the Browns couldn't hire Cowher, the report was they'd wait to hire a coach until they signed a GM??? Seemed reasonable.

 

[NFBuck]

is it official??...haven't seen it confirmed anywhere

I thought when the Browns couldn't hire Cowher, the report was they'd wait to hire a coach until they signed a GM??? Seemed reasonable.

No, haven't read anything official, but that seems to be the gist of some of the articles above. Being a lifelong Cleveland fan, I just assume the worst.

 

[CookyPuss]

I'm seriously nearing the end of my rope with this organization. Who hires a coach before bringing in a personnel guy? I've been saying this is as critical a hire as this organization has seen and it smells like history is just repeating itself. Fucking great.

And I thought getting Ratbird Modell out of town was a good thing.

 

[LitlBuck]

is it official??...haven't seen it confirmed anywhere

I thought when the Browns couldn't hire Cowher, the report was they'd wait to hire a coach until they signed a GM??? Seemed reasonable.

Not according to this article. If Lerner wants Mangini, Mangini wants the guy from the Ravens. So essentially, the HC would call the shot on the GM.

Cleveland.com

Browns to interview Ravens' Kokinis for GM post
by Mary Kay Cabot
Sunday January 04, 2009, 6:12 PM

In the next step toward hiring Eric Mangini as their head coach, the Browns have received permission to interview his close friend, George Kokinis, the Ravens' director of pro personnel, a league source told The Plain Dealer on Sunday.

The interview will take place as soon as possible, the source said. The Ravens defeated the Dolphins, 27-9, on Sunday and will face the Titans on Saturday in Tennessee in the divisional round of the playoffs.

Kokinis, who began his NFL career in Cleveland after serving an internship in the team's operations department in 1991, is Mangini's No. 1 choice to run the personnel department, a source said.

Continued

and then we have this little gem that the Ravens guy cannot be hired unless he has the same power:( with the Browns that Savage had. No thank you.

Cleveland Browns must wait until Sunday for Kokinis
by Tony Grossi
Monday January 05, 2009, 12:20 PM

The Browns won't be able to interview Baltimore director of pro personnel George Kokinis until Sunday at the earliest, said a source with knowledge of the situation.

Kokinis is involved in preparations for the Ravens' divisional playoff game against Tennessee. The game will be played on Saturday. The Ravens don't want anything to interfere with their game preparations.

If the Ravens win and advance to the AFC Championship Game, they have set aside Sunday as an available date for interviews. Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan would also be able to interview for various head coach jobs at that time.

The Ravens have let the Browns know that Kokinis could leave the team only for a position that contractually gives him full authority over football operations. Whether the title is general manager or something else, he would essentially have the same authority with the Browns that Phil Savage had.

Kokinis has never had that in his 18 years with the old Browns and now Ravens.

Lerner is making the Browns organization look like the laughing stock of the league. I guess he has so much money than he thinks he knows everything but it's strange that he let soccer people run his soccer team. Maybe that's because he lives in England and they might do him damage if he would screw up a premier soccer team.

 

[NFBuck]

Lerner is making the Browns organization look like the laughing stock of the league.

Actually, the Lions have that cornered.

 

[LitlBuck]

Actually, the Lions have that cornered.

At this day and time, you are correct but just give the Browns a few more days and we could take that honor. Maybe Romeo wasn't that bad after all

 

[23Skidoo]

Lerner is making the Browns organization look like the laughing stock of the league. I guess he has so much money than he thinks he knows everything but it's strange that he let soccer people run his soccer team. Maybe that's because he lives in England and they might do him damage if he would screw up a premier soccer team.

I don't think Lerner is that kind of guy. He's just clueless when it comes to sports. He let Aston Villa people take care of Aston Villa because those people were already in place. But with Browns he's basically been starting from scratch and doesn't have the slightest idea what to do.

The sooner he hires a VP to manage it for him, the sooner Cleveland will get unfucked. But as he's clueless and can't really trust any of his hires at this point... how is he really going to know who to hire?
:2004:

 

[NFBuck]

At this day and time, you are correct but just give the Browns a few more days and we could take that honor. Maybe Romeo wasn't that bad after all

Bite your tongue.

The sooner he hires a VP to manage it for him, the sooner Cleveland will get unfucked.

Never gonna happen.

 

[LitlBuck]

I don't think Lerner is that kind of guy. He's just clueless when it comes to sports. He let Aston Villa people take care of Aston Villa because those people were already in place. But with Browns he's basically been starting from scratch and doesn't have the slightest idea what to do.

The sooner he hires a VP to manage it for him, the sooner Cleveland will get un[censored]ed. But as he's clueless and can't really trust any of his hires at this point... how is he really going to know who to hire?
:2004:

I read an article on Cleveland.com a couple weeks ago and was going to post it here but it discussed Lerner's "Inner Circle" when it came to football so he does have some guys that he relies upon. A couple of the football names were Jim Brown and Bernie Kosar so I have to thank that they might have a little input as to what he is doing football wise. One of the other guys was associated with the soccer team. Can't remember his name. A couple of the other guys were Bob Kraft, President of the Patriots, and one other NFL team president. I wish I had posted the article. Anyhow, I have to believe that he is getting some advice from some of these people.

The other thing that I don't understand is why he will not give a television interview. He will take questions from reporters at a press conference but no television cameras or audio media is allowed. I know that his father was a much more ongoing person than Randy but does Randy act the same way when he is dealing with the soccer team.

When you are clueless, you really need to get some help to make a professional decision and I am sure he has made quite a few professional decisions in his life with input from other people.

 

[LitlBuck]

Lerner's inner circle

Cleveland.com

Randy Lerner's Inner Circle
Sunday, December 14, 2008

Jim Brown
The Hall of Fame running back has been with the Browns in various capacities in recent years.

In the 1990s, former coach Bill Belichick unofficially appointed him as a "liaison" between coaches and players. In 2005, owner Randy Lerner named him "executive advisor," a nebulous title that baffles some full-time staffers.

The official organization bio of Brown defines his role as "assisting to build relationships with Browns players and to further enhance the NFL's wide range of sponsored programs through the Browns player programs department." Brown attends most games, home and away, usually viewing them with Lerner in the owner's suite.
Never shy with his opinions, Brown does know his boundaries and tries hard not to undermine authority.

Bob Kain The long-time marketing and management executive with IMG was named Browns vice chairman in 2006.

Lerner initially called on Kain's expertise and familiarity with the English sports environment to assist in rebuilding the Aston Villa F.C. organization. He sits on the club's board of directors.

The rapid success of that operation increased Kain's influence with Lerner on Browns business matters.

Kain is not a football expert, but his business acumen and experience make him a sounding board for Lerner.

Kain also has relationships with just about all the major sports agencies -- many of which he competed against during his IMG career.


Mike Keenan He was plucked from the NFL Management Council office just before John Collins' departure to assist the Browns in labor and financial matters.

He rose to head all business operations of the Browns and was appointed president by Lerner in May.
According to the team, Keenan has restructured the club's sales and marketing departments, worked to develop new television and radio projects and been involved with contract negotiations and some salary cap matters.
Keenan represents Lerner at league meetings. That alone makes him a very influential person in the organization.

Bernie Kosar

The former quarterback and aspiring team executive has rebuffed past overtures by Lerner to join the organization in an unspecified full-time capacity. Some believe he is holding out for all the keys in a chief executive role. While that is unlikely, according to two sources, Kosar's influence on Lerner on football matters is undeniable.
So far, Kosar has been able to straddle the blurry lines between relationships with players, coaches and executives. His immense popularity in this market is a huge asset for him, but he has NFL knowledge and business experience also going for him.


Lerner and Kosar also bond over generational and personal experiences.

Phil Savage

The senior vice president and general manager may be under fire, too, but he's not out the door yet. Savage's expertise in player personnel plus Lerner's longing to maintain some semblance of continuity are strong factors in his favor. Savage's willingness to work alongside a strong coach and give up his authority on the roster makeup could dictate his future.
Savage has been adept at getting what he wants in four seasons in charge. He has dictated many changes in Romeo Crennel's coaching staff and last year he was able to formally slip Crennel under his supervision wing.

Technically, Crennel reported directly to the club president when he was hired in 2005. But in a concession to receiving a two-year contract extension in the spring, Crennel agreed to change language which now states he reports directly to the general manager.
The outer circle

Most every NFL owner calls on others outside their organization for advice, whether it be on football, business or legal matters. Lerner initially used New England owner Bob Kraft as a sounding board, mainly because Kraft was close to his father, Al Lerner.

As Randy Lerner has matured in the ownership role, he has developed a very friendly and close relationship with Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti. Lerner also maintains a line of communication with former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who was extremely close to his father.


On pure football matters, such as the ones at hand, Lerner is likely to consult with 1980s Browns executive Ernie Accorsi. Accorsi retired as Giants general manager after the 2006 season. In June he was named as a consultant to the NFL office and appointed to co-chair the league's newly created general managers advisory committee. Accorsi remains deeply fond of the Browns' tradition, but is happy with retirement and is not viewed as a candidate to return as a team executive.

I doubt if Phil Savage is still a member of the inner circle. However, I do not understand why he does not lean on Ernie Accorsi for some football knowledge. He would know how to run a football operation.

 

[osugrad21]

DDN

Browns get the OK to talk to Eagles' GM


By the Associated Press

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

CLEVELAND ? Their coaching search on hold and seemingly locked on Eric Mangini, the Cleveland Browns plan to interview Philadelphia Eagles general manager Tom Heckert for their GM opening.
The meeting between Browns owner Randy Lerner and Heckert, who has been with the Eagles since 2001, has not yet been scheduled. The Eagles are getting ready for Sunday's playoff game against the New York Giants, but it is not known if Lerner will sit down with Heckert before or after the game.
Heckert has been the Eagles' GM since 2006 after originally joining the team as the director of player personnel. In May, he received a contract extension through 2011. Last year, he interviewed for Atlanta's GM job, a position that went to Thomas Dimitroff.
With the Eagles, the 41-year-old Heckert works with coach Andy Reid in all player personnel matters while overseeing the scouting and personnel departments. Heckert spent 10 years with the Miami Dolphins before joining the Eagles.
In Heckert's first draft with Philadelphia, he selected Lito Sheppard, Michael Lewis, Brian Westbrook ? three future Pro Bowlers.
Cont...

 

[osugrad21]

CPD

Analysis: Tracking Eric Mangini's path toward the Browns

by Tony Grossi/Plain Dealer Reporter Tuesday January 06, 2009, 6:52 PM

John Russell/Associated PressEric Mangini was not a vocal supporter of Brett Favre's signing with the Jets, although it was reported that after New York completed its late-season collapse, Favre told Mangini it was the players' fault, and not the coach's.
Eric Mangini was fired as New York Jets coach the day after the team completed a free-fall from first place to third in the AFC East and out of the playoffs. Before the day was over, Mangini was on the fast track to becoming the front-runner to replace Romeo Crennel as the next Browns coach.
Now that Mangini's hiring appears inevitable, if not imminent, a refresher course on the one-time Browns ballboy is in order.
Question: How did Mangini go from "Mangenius" to "you're fired" in three seasons, two in which the Jets had a winning record?
Answer: Jets owner Woody Johnson doled out about $160 million in future contracts for veteran acquisitions in 2008 to get the team over the top while simultaneously pushing sales of ultra-expensive luxury seats in the new Meadowlands stadium under construction. The trade for disgruntled Green Bay quarterback icon Brett Favre was the final act in getting the team to the playoffs. When the Jets failed, Mangini took the fall.

Cont...

 

[osugrad21]

CPD

Browns receive permission to interview Eagles GM Heckert

by Mary Kay Cabot/Plain Dealer Reporter Tuesday January 06, 2009, 9:08 PM

Getty Images/NFLEagles 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.

Cont...

 

[osugrad21]

Canton

No chance for Marty rerun as Browns close in on Mangini

By Steve Doerschuk
CantonRep.com staff writer
Posted Jan 06, 2009 @ 07:24 PM
Last update Jan 07, 2009 @ 12:55 AM
Before Eric Mangini became the Browns? heir apparent like a bolt out of the blue, the frozen winds were blowing over Cleveland Browns Stadium, and Romeo Crennel still had a job.

At the last home game of a lost season, Bill Eddins of Louisville spoke for the fans who think bringing back Marty Schottenheimer would warm up the Browns.

?It's time for a change,? Eddins said during a fan poll. ?I?ll be disappointed if it's anyone other than (Bill) Cowher or Schottenheimer.?

?It would be worth reaching out to Marty at some point in the process,? Lerner said eight days later, after firing Crennel.

Another eight days later, on Tuesday, Schottenheimer said by phone while driving near his Charlotte, N.C., home that he hasn?t spoken to anyone with the Browns. Sources said Mangini was lining up a coaching staff and could be announced as Crennel?s replacement at any time.

?I?ve had no dialogue with anyone from Cleveland,? Schottenheimer said. ?I never say never on anything, but ...?

He hasn?t closed the door. He hasn?t tried to open it, either.
Also, a report late Tuesday said the Browns planned to interview Eagles General Manager Tom Heckert for their GM opening

He was in good spirits Tuesday, wondering if it was snowing in Ohio.
Cont...

 

[LitlBuck]

The Browns have received permission to interview Eagles General Manager Tom Heckert

I would much rather have the Browns hire this guy then they guy from Baltimore who is Mangini's man. Heckert at least works with Andy Reid when it comes to personnel decisions. It sounds like the only way the Browns can get the guy from Baltimore if he has total control and we have gone down that path before. If it means that we lose out on Mangini so be it, there are plenty of guys out there who want to be HC's in the NFL.

It sounds like Heckert as a good relationship with Spagnuolo. Out of all the coordinators if we end up going that route I would not mind having him come from the Giants. At least he has some fire in his belly and runs a 4-3. Mangini ran a 3-4 :(with the Jets.