ABJ
Browns hire Mangini By Marla Ridenour
Beacon Journal sports writer
POSTED: 05:45 p.m. EST, Jan 07, 2009
Browns' ball boys have new reason to dream big.
Eric Mangini completed a storybook rise from that lowly task Wednesday when he reached agreement on a contract to become the fourth coach hired by the Browns since 1999.
Although he interviewed some of the brightest coordinators in the league, owner Randy Lerner was seeking prior coaching experience. That swung the decision in Mangini's favor, along with his reputation as a disciplinarian who works his team hard and reportedly a vow to Lerner that he can win with quarterback Brady Quinn.
Mangini compiled a 23-25 record in three seasons with the New York Jets, including a 10-6 playoff season in his first year in 2006. After a 4-12 season in 2007, the Jets started this season 8-3 but finished 9-7 as quarterback Brett Favre faded down the stretch. Mangini was fired the morning after the season's final game and Lerner was visibly excited when he learned the news during a session with the media.
Turning 38 on Jan. 19, Mangini was the first person Lerner interviewed after firing coach Romeo Crennel and General Manager Phil Savage. The two went 4-12 in 2008 and 24-40 in four years.
''I'm excited for him,'' Indians General Manager Mark Shapiro said of Mangini, his brother-in-law. ''He's an extremely intelligent, creative and driven guy. He will increase the Browns' chances to be a championship team again.
''On a personal level, this is the first time in 18 years in Cleveland that I will have family here and that would be a reason for other family members to come here to visit.''
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