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Browns say Crennel will remain as coach

By Patrick McManamon

Akron Beacon Journal

(MCT)

CLEVELAND - The unofficial and unsanctioned Romeo Crennel death watch can cease.

The Browns have decided that Crennel will remain the team's coach for the 2007 season.

That word came through Bill Bonsiewicz, the team's vice president for communication, who responded to a question about the team's commitment to Crennel for 2007 by saying: "Romeo is our coach."

That means there will be no effort to talk Bill Cowher back into coaching following his resignation from the Pittsburgh Steelers, and no effort to lure a Jim Tressel or Kirk Ferentz from the college ranks.

The Browns instead have decided to make changes around Crennel, changes they think would strengthen the team. The moves started with the offensive coaching staff.

Four assistants already have been let go, and the search for a new offensive coordinator began Saturday, when the team interviewed Jeff Davidson, who filled the role after Maurice Carthon "resigned" in October.

Miami Dolphins quarterback coach Jason Garrett will interview early this week, and there's a good possibility quarterback coach Rip Scherer (whose job is safe) will interview as well, according to a league source.

Many around the league feel the team would be wise to try to interview Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey, who was offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh before becoming coach in Buffalo. Mularkey's future is uncertain following the departure of Nick Saban to Alabama.

Talk around the league is the Browns would have a tough time hiring an experienced coordinator like Mularkey, though. That's because Crennel's situation seems so fluid.

If the Browns win, Crennel certainly will stay for another year. But if they lose, pressure will increase to hire a coach like Cowher, who would be a coaching free agent after 2007. A high-profile coordinator might not like the idea of joining a team where the coach's long-term future is unknown.

Davidson could stay as offensive coordinator, or he could return to be line coach - depending on the coordinator who is hired. The job of running backs coach Dave Atkins appears to be safe, at least for now, and also might depend on the next coordinator.

Scherer apparently got good reviews for the way he handled the quarterbacks this season. He has been an offensive coordinator for five different colleges (Southern Mississippi, Kansas, Arizona, Alabama and Georgia Tech), and was coach at two schools (Memphis and James Madison).

The decisions on releasing coaches appear as if they would have been difficult for Crennel, since one of the coaches not retained was his nephew and the other was Ben Coates, whom he knew in New England.

Profootballtalk.com fueled that fire by reporting Saturday that Crennel has no say in his staff, that it's the choice of general manager Phil Savage. Savage, though, has always maintained that Crennel hires his staff.

Savage could not be reached for comment on the report. Team sources said Crennel has final say on his staff, but he takes input from Savage. In the same way, Savage takes input from Crennel on personnel decisions. Though some in the league believe Savage prompted the changes, the decisions made the past week were mutual, the sources said.

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? 2007, Akron Beacon Journal (Akron, Ohio).

Visit Akron Beacon Journal Online at http://www.ohio.com.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.


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I think this was ludicrous and a sad chapter in the history of the Cleveland Browns, that it would even be considered that RAC would be replaced after just his second year as HC of a very under talented team. I can't believe that some people really thought he should be fired. Beyond me. Tough fans and media, I'm now beginning to see why some talent coaches and players are hesitant to play for the Browns. I hope Savage and RAC can turn this mess around in the next year or two. JMHO

Exactly. It's one thing if you have a team laden with Superbowl talent and the coach can't get them to perform. It's another thing when you have a young team with no OL, second-string corners and an injury list longer than Braylon's tongue -- and arguably play better than expected.

It's something else altogether when you can't attract experienced coaching talent because of "fans" who say they want to "help the team" by calling for head coaches to be fired year after year. That's when you're really screwed and the "fans" are tearing the team -- and town -- apart.

If I was Savage, I'd come out and say "You know what? We appreciate your *help*, but Crennel is going to be here until 2010. Deal with it. If you don't like our progress, I'll send Kamerion Wimbley to your house to add to his sack total."

That being said, Phil has his work cut out for him this off-season. The only way to shut these "fans" up -- and take the heat off Crennel -- is to get some more talent and draft picks starting on this team. I, for one, am excited.

I agree that the vote of confidence in RAC is long past due. That is part of the problem.

During the time the fans and media were first starting to complain, the team kept quiet....fueling the fire. If the FO, or PR Deptartment would have made the statement....back in late October, and again in early December that..."We stated when Coach Crennell was hired, that turning the team around is a long term process. A commitment has been made, the process has begun. Now, we have to follow through.... Romeo is our coach. Period. End of discussion." The fans would have been more co-operative, but by keeping quiet, the PR Department turned a few fans with questions into sharks sensing blood.... and a feeding frenzy began. Everything could have been handled better, but it is what it is....and we have to deal with it now...

Phil/Romeo will need to interview and hire staff, check out free agents, attend/scout all-star games and the combine and prepare for the draft.... a very busy off-season.... I'm looking forward to it... <img src="/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

I like Mularky's name being tossed in just because I am pretty sure he would know how to use Cribbs as qb or slash role other than the obvious trick run (yawn when that's the only play you have with him in that role).

Frankly, I'm at a point where I don't care. Romeo must make a wise decision that also fits with his personnel or he'll be gone too. I don't say I don't care because I don't still love my Browns, but Romeo has one more year to right the ship or he's gone. Either way, we get a better production on the field or newly fueled optimism by a new coach.

I would be VERY hesitant to take an O-Cord job here just because of this. Romeo is probably on a one-year leash.

It comes down to this-------if the Browns win next year, RAC has a chance of staying w/the team. If the Browns lose next year, RAC will be gone.

Despite what the homers on this board might tell you, the Browns are almost certainly not going to win next year. Thus, it would be a gamble for a big-time offensive coordinator to come to Cleveland this year. The Browns pull the trigger quicker than 16 yr. old male virgin.

There are only two possible ways that a big-time OC comes here.

1. Mularky might if he knows Cowher is on the way.
2. The OC has been assured he will be the next head coach.





Sure they were. <img src="/images/graemlins/rofl.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/rolleyes1.gif" alt="" />

I still think Crennel is the best thing that has happened to Cleveland.. I want him to remain the Browns coach for years to come... a few more pieces we can become an average team... a few more talented players and some good coaching.. we can become a playoff team..

This Cowher coming here stuff was created on this board.
This has been talked about so much people seem to think its the gospel.
Outside of this board noone has said 1 word about it.
Why would he step away from a 1 year removed SuperBowl team just to set himself up for the Browns job. Come on.
For someone who professes to know it all, sometimes you don't make sense.

[color:"white"] There are only two possible ways that a big-time OC comes here.

1. Mularky might if he knows Cowher is on the way.
[/color]

didn't cowher fire mularkey already? why would cowher hire him again, he's not al davis. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Do we know each other?

You have 8 posts and you only post to rip me. What gives?

I never said it was gospel. I was speculating as to why Mularky might come here. It's going to be hard to attract a big-name OC when RAC's job is in limbo. How does that not make sense?

And I don't profess to know everything. I only have recently pointed things out because people talk crap all the time, but then never man-up when they are proven wrong. Then they turn around and start the same crap on a new subject.

And quit stalking me.......you're giving me the creeps.

Are you sure about that? Cowher fired Mularky? <img src="/images/graemlins/saywhat.gif" alt="" />

Seriously..........look that one up. Let me know what you find out, okay? Thanks in advance. <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

No we don't know each other.



Don't let the 8 post fool you. I've been around for years. I used the same handle on the old board. I read the board about 5 times a day. I have my own opinions, but rarely take the time to post them. Alot of times I agree with you. I guess I just don't care for your approach. You seem to constantly talk down to and belittle other posters and act as if you are the all knowing and the rest of us should agree with your view points. Nobody likes the "I told you so" BS. I personally never use it on the board or in real life.
I guess I'm just giving you the business like you give it to everyone else.

By the way not stalking you either. I haven't replied to everything you post even if I think its BS. I don't feel it necessary to force my opinion on everyone about every subject. I pick and choose when I want to post.

[color:"white"] Are you sure about that? Cowher fired Mularky? [/color]

no........ that's why i ASKED.

[color:"white"] look that one up. Let me know what you find out, okay? [/color]

LOL it would have been much easier just to tell me. <img src="/images/graemlins/plthumbsdown.gif" alt="" />

Here is what I said in my original post:

[color:"white"] It comes down to this-------if the Browns win next year, RAC has a chance of staying w/the team. If the Browns lose next year, RAC will be gone.

Despite what the homers on this board might tell you, the Browns are almost certainly not going to win next year. Thus, it would be a gamble for a big-time offensive coordinator to come to Cleveland this year. The Browns pull the trigger quicker than 16 yr. old male virgin.

There are only two possible ways that a big-time OC comes here.

1. Mularky might if he knows Cowher is on the way.
2. The OC has been assured he will be the next head coach [/color]

Who the hell am I talking down to??? Who am I belittling? <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Let's compare that what you said to me:

[color:"yellow"]...and act as if you are the all knowing and the rest of us should agree with your view points. Nobody likes the "I told you so" BS. I personally never use it on the board or in real life.
I guess I'm just giving you the business like you give it to everyone else.

By the way not stalking you either. I haven't replied to everything you post even if I think its BS. I don't feel it necessary to force my opinion on everyone about every subject. I pick and choose when I want to post.
[/color]

and

[color:"orange"]For someone who professes to know it all, sometimes you don't make sense.
[/color]

Who is talking down to whom?

Again..........the conversation has been steered away from football talk and is instead focused on personalities. That's not cool. How about we just ignore each other?


Back to the thread. Anyone want to discuss the chances of a big-time OC wanting to come to Cleveland. If so, why? If not, why not?

might be wrong on this, too lazy to go look it up right now.... But i think Mularky left the Steelers to coach the Bills. So no, he was not fired. Then he quit on the Bills- picked up by Saban and the dolphins.

I agree with you 100% Stabber,,,, But try and remember that the rumors that RAC might get canned were fueled on a local level by Tony Grossi and on a National level by some idiot on ESPN.. None of those rumors are credited from anywhere inside the Browns organization..

So the question is, was firing RAC ever even considered by Savage and Lerner? We may never know, but thus far, it doesn't appear so.. Looks totally media driven,

I'm not positive, Knox. But, I thought Mularky left Pittsburgh to become the HC at Buffalo????

I wasn't being a smart ass. I just didn't want to come out and say something that wasn't true if there was a chance it wasn't true.

Does anyone think that Mularky is someone we Should look at? Or is this more media hype and garbage...

Are you guys starting to get the feeling that I HATE the media a little ?

Mike Mularkey, BUF ? Spent eight seasons with Cowher before getting the head position in Buffalo last season.

http://www.sports-central.org/sports/2005/04/12/the_nfl_coaching_tree.php

Not sure if you read my comments on the situation several weeks ago, but as far as I know..........the plan was always [at least at that point in the season] to keep RAC for 2007 and to fire multiple assistants.

[color:"white"] Anyone want to discuss the chances of a big-time OC wanting to come to Cleveland. If so, why? If not, why not?

[/color]

#1 MONEY
#2 a chance to prove that his recent firing was unjust AND a chance to stick it to his budy that fired him.
#3 a very good chance to have a "leg up" on a HC position if/when it happens.

thanks to everybody for the mularkey info.

So..............do you think the Browns will get a big-name OC?

Generally I'd agree - that could be a factor in a decision such as this. The only problem with that is that he'd probably have to have some degree of success with the offense to help his career more than hurt it. We have the weapons to compete on offense, but I'd sure want some detail on what the plans are for the OL before considering the job.

Phil's job in FA is going to be a tough one. He'll have to over-pay (even more than usual in FA) to get guys to come here after how things went this past season.

I don't see a desirable/successful high profile OC that's available let alone coming in here.

why do i think your baiting me on this?

[color:"white"] do you think the Browns will get a big-name OC? [/color]

#1 how many "big name " OC's are in the league? when talking about prototype OC's what names pop up? there's maybe a small handful of HOF OC's out there and the chances of landing one of those would be slim, unless we apply the assistant HC title to it. that would mean that davidson is gone (i think).
with all of that outa the way, i do believe we will interview any and all of the good OC's available. imo the experience factor will automatically make them better than we've had.
if a big name is out there, why wouldn't we interview him?

[color:"white"]The only problem with that is that he'd probably have to have some degree of success with the offense to help his career more than hurt it. [/color]

not if infact rac is on a short leash. i'm reading so much BS on here that is hate oriented, i don't know what to think anymore. i do see the possibility of rac on the way out though.

[color:"white"] We have the weapons to compete on offense, but I'd sure want some detail on what the plans are for the OL before considering the job.
[/color]

i'm sure that would come out in the interview.

[color:"white"] Phil's job in FA is going to be a tough one. He'll have to over-pay (even more than usual in FA) to get guys to come here after how things went this past season.
[/color]

sure he's gonna overpay. with the new cap everybody has, i see players and agents licking their lips on this years FA. on the other hand we have A HUGE amount of money to bring in GOOD players, and enough to pay more up front and help the cap later on. we're only talking maybe two players anyway on the line.

[color:"white"]I don't see a desirable/successful high profile OC that's available let alone coming in here. [/color]

i've already stated that i don't see one either, but if one does become available or we're allowed to talk to any of them, you never know what can happen.

I won't bother quoting the whole thing, but I agree w/ the whole of your response.

Especially the - "you never know" part. Ain't that the truth in this league...

LOL...........I wasn't baiting you. I was simply trying to get your viewpoint and steer the conversation back to football, instead of about me.

I have no inside info on this one. I have no idea if we can land an established OC or not. Interview maybe, but not hire. Of course, I hope I'm wrong.

I just think the instability of the franchise is going to make it difficult to lure an established OC here. I don't know........we'll see.

Talk around the league is the Browns would have a tough time hiring an experienced coordinator like Mularkey, though. That's because Crennel's situation seems so fluid.

If the Browns win, Crennel certainly will stay for another year. But if they lose, pressure will increase to hire a coach like Cowher, who would be a coaching free agent after 2007. A high-profile coordinator might not like the idea of joining a team where the coach's long-term future is unknown.

As Vers has eluded to , this could very well be a valid point ! .. It will interesting to watch hoe this Soap Opera ( Browns ) plays out .. Get ready for the media to have a field day with us ...

[color:"white"] If the Browns win, Crennel certainly will stay for another year. But if they lose, pressure will increase to hire a coach like Cowher [/color]

win as in how many? most would agree that 8-8 would be wonderful here. alot would agree that .500 ball in three years starting from SCRATCH is not good enough, and maybe 99.9% would agree that no matter how many we win, it would be completely ignorant to not start talking to cowher as soon as we're able.

Jesus...U guys kill me...

90% of all HC's in the NFL are hangin' by a thread...It's the Nature of the Beast...

Coordinators are flyin' around constantly accepting HC positions...

This is just more SKEPTICAL BS...

Carry on with it...U guys r good at it...

O
M
G

Anyone else get the feeling that the "big name veteran OC" will be RAC's friend Chris Palmer?

I'm getting sick just thinking about it.

SHUT THY MOUTH. <img src="/images/graemlins/rofl.gif" alt="" />

i agree 100% we need to keep with the original plan....everytime the media starts talking about new coaches and crap i think of cinci....they finally get a decent coach, and they stick with him....

few years later and cinci is playing alot better.....there is no reason this shouldn't happen to us....

funny thing is, if we do alittle better, say 7-9 or 8-8 and a guy like cowher gets brought in he may get to be coach right when the team turns the corner on talent....then hes the "savior" when the old coach gets robbed of the rewards of his hard work....

well i don't know about going after a guy just for trick plays....

but he is certainly more established than most...we can't take another teams proven oc...so we are left speculating....

if thats the case then davision has the leg up because he has a half year experience....

who knows...i doubt anyone big comes here though...biggest guy we could get imo is palmer.....he was rac's first choice before....

[color:"white"] we can't take another teams proven oc... [/color]

but we can.

and cowher will be here... i just don't see us going with another college coach again....or another coordinator....

having a guy like that would shut the media up quick....what are they gonna say?


now as far as winning....i disagree with you....we could have easily won quite a few more games this year....

injuries killed us...they limited us defensivly for sure....and they sure as hell didn't help an already iffy oline either...all downhill from there....




those are 2 valid senerios....i think 2 is alot more unlikely though as if cowher is there he's gonna be the only option....as he's the only proven coach...

don't forget the injuries...that imo was our biggest problem....that and turnovers and drops.....

who knows.....i don't think it really matters at this point as a guy like that isn't gonna walk into a losing situation....

i think this is just the organization talking to guys like him so when the media says "why couldn't you find an experienced oc?" then they can say we tried....



join the club... <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

should i have said "we won't"?

i thought that if you wanted to do that you had to promote the coach to a higher position...meaning where davison is...

or give up draft picks.....

i don't see either of those options as likely.....i don't think we get rid of davison.....and i can't see phil giving up picks....we need them too much....