DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Browns announce hiring of Kokinis

Did anyone here how they were trying to find out if McCreight was leaking info to the media but the investigator got the wrong number and called a reporter when he was trying to call McCreight? Im guessing that reporter dont get granted too many interviews.


Expound on that if you can..

Peen :One guy we haven't mentioned in all the trade talk, who I think is a poor fit here is Corey Williams. He seems ill suited to the type of D we play and would be attractive to a 4-3 team who likes to shoot some gaps rather than hold position like we do.

Hmmm a third rounder?

Stop.

Nobody says they won't be able to get information. They may not have as many avenues to seek that info.

The team has been in place a whole half a day now,,,,,,geesh

The team doesn't need to hold daily press briefings.

"Two years from now this team is going to be very different.
Bank it"

Well not a stretch - close to the norm. If I remember correctly the Steelers known for their continuity have 22 players that were on their recent SB Championship...that means 31 are gone from that successful team.

On the Corey Williams subject. Don't be so quick to claim Failure there. The guy is talented and played hurt all year (shoulder injury...a 3-4 DE is dead in the water without his arms) the guy is a keeper. Robaire is a little older and is more apt to be upgraded. Shaun Smith might be kept around until we can get something better which might be quicker than he thinks. Rubin looked good. Leonard is a FA but I don't think he would be too hard to sign and I like him better than Shaun Smith. Smith could get a job here if he loses 20-30 pounds and gets a lot quicker.

I see Rogers and Williams being a staple here for quite some time. We aren't go to tear this baby apart as soon as people think. Pioli wanted to do that - we aren't going in that direction. But like any team, we will look to upgrade wherever possible and the bubble guys that a Regime might give 2, 3 opportunities to might go right away cause we have no tying investment in them being a NEW REGIME.

JMHO

Quote:

---

Stop.

---

No.

I wasn't even talking specifically about the Browns.. more of a general statement that the more secretive an organization tries to be, the more the media goes after them, even if it means speculating... It's the same with celebrities, it's the same with the government... the media will go hardest after that which they don't think they can get...

j/c

I really think this has a chance to be successful.

It's going to be more about acquiring players who fit more than overall talent. If ManKok are on the same page, the chances increase greatly.

There is some talent on this team, it's more about filling the back-end of the roster than anything else, and getting the team firing all cylinders in training camp instead of "hanging in there until week 1 gameweek" like Savage put it.

i don't know about the vacation thing.....that may have been what he was doing, but what i really think was going on was a mole hunt....

everyone knew that coke was the likely guy....but instead what we had was delay, and uncertainty.....we also saw reported that certain other guys were interviewed..

if you look at the big picture, we see mccreight let go, when it appeared that he might stay around.....then you had the slew of lower level people let go...

unless they are changing the structure, which i doubt because all of those jobs seemed to be necessary, you probably have a situation where different info was told to certain individuals, and the browns just waited to see what info surfaced in the press...

you then have your moles....the next person in that job won't be so quick to talk to the press when the guy they replaced just got canned....

i think some reporters just lost there insider sources, and its ticking them off...

"I didn't claim failure....don't be so quick to judge what I might be claiming."

Actually that portion wasn't directed to you as I didn't think you claimed anything directly to Williams just that a lot will be changed in personnel in general.

I was stating that towards some previous posters who were claiming Corey Williams as a failure.

Quote:

---

*Edit* That was always a signing that left me scratching my head. Here was a guy who had never played in the 3-4, yet we gave up a lot and paid him a lot. It almost seemed as if Savage said "they tagged him, he MUST be good!"

---

Completely disagree. I still think Williams is a great player and a great fit for the 3-4. Maybe he needs to lose weight, but it would be a HUGE mistake to trade him. He is the perfect player for a 3-4 end. He was hurt this year. We should give him a chance to play healthy.

eo, are you expecting a house cleaning anywhere near what Savage did in his first year?

Personally, I don't know what to expect.. But if it takes that big a house cleaning.. it's could get ugly quick

Spring cleaning..some guys need to go.

"eo, are you expecting a house cleaning anywhere near what Savage did in his first year?"

No where near as much...Will there be Personnel changes? Yes, of course. Will there be more than the norm? Probably yes, but more so in the bottom of the barrel of our roster...as in depth. Its an easy quick fix to transpire especially with the prowess of George Kokinis' knowledge of NFL personnel.

So I see turnover in those upgrades.

Also because of the regime change there might be less regard to investments of players who have not earned or Achieved Starter status yet. For the simple reason its not their "PROJECTS" so for those there might be less patience shown.

I can't put an exact example but lets just say their Patience with...with...Wimbley will not be as high as with the last regime for they were not the ones who invested a first round pick. They'll evaluate...they'll probably keep him here. But maybe when the first contract runs out they would be more apt to let him walk as opposed to the Regime that had brought him here.

But for the most part with a lot of the system here not changing. A lot of the players here have talent there is not as big a void as there was in 05. A lot of pieces here already - I don't see no where the turn over the first two years that was experienced in 05.

But when players like BE are up for contract and want a bundle...again they are less apt to get the cooperation that a regime who picked him in the draft would.

Just like I didn't see Savage sign Sean Jones long term last year to keep him here. If he drafted him I think he would have.

JMHO

Browns introduce George Kokinis as GM
by Tony Grossi
Monday January 26, 2009, 10:49 AM


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lisa DeJong / The Plain Dealer
George Kokinis is introduced as the Cleveland Browns' new general manager.
Once again, the question is whether owner Randy Lerner will introduce his new general manager or will it be President Mike Keenan.

They're running a few minutes late, heightening the anticipation.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's comes Keenan for his second media appearance in three weeks. Kokinis in suit and tie. Mangini in Browns' sweat shirt. Not a hoodie.
Keenan said he's had the opportunity over last several weeks to "spend a lot of time with George." Kokinis nods.

Keenan acknowledges that Kokinis spent two days in Berea after the Ravens lost the AFC title game.





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Kokinis pulls notes out of his suit pocket and says, "Thank you for coming and thank you for your patience."

Lerner is in the back of the room -- behind the TV cameras.

Kokinis is composed, thanking the Ravens and his family.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


"Why am I here?" he says. "I'm here because I believe in this owner. I believe in this head coach. And I believe in the fans of Cleveland."

"I know more about St. Ed's than any team in the country ... and Benedictine," he jokes, making a refereence to Baltimore execs Kevin Byrne and Pat Moriarty, who attended thos schools.

"Finally, I'm here because I want to create a championship-caliber football organization. It can be done."



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


First question is about the Browns roster. How big a task?

"I don't think there's any timetable you need to put on a team. It starts with Day 1, you've got to improve every day. ... "


Second question about his early days here.

"My first stages here, the biggest thing I learned was about work ethic. There was so many great people here at that time. To name them all, I'd leave somebody out. I think work ethic, what it means to be part of this league, to work with each other and come to the best decisions for this football team."

Appraise this team. You know it.

"I don't really want to go into the evaluation of the football team right now. It's important for them [the coaching staff] to evaluate the team first. I'm going to be grinding up my end in terms of looking at every phase. To go player by player, it's not the time."

You have final say?

"Everybody has their own style. I don't think I came in to say I'm going to be the voice of this team or not. In terrms of working with Eric, you'll hear me saying consensus building. Any great decision comes from having all the best information you have. More than not, I'll say what is best for the Cleveland Browns."

Your role in Baltimore was what exactly?

"When I first came off the road as a college scout, my main role was breaking down the upcoming opponent. I always felt from a personnel standpoint, if we gave the coaches one thing to take into the gameplan, then we've done our job."



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


How are you going to handle the college draft?

"At this pont, the college process is something I"m very familiar with. It's not foreign to me. I've been part of 17 draft rooms, draft strategy. I've actually used the same style in free agency meetings they use in the college draft. Phil [Savage] brought this system in and it's the same system [I'm used to]. I don't feel anxious about starting at this point. I know the process. The scouts have been scheduled to come in for scouting meetings Feb. 6 long before I got here."

Who picks the 53-man team?

"In the end, I'll have final say on 53. But it's not what's important.

Why the delay?

"I think it was important to get the right person. I'm glad it was me. It was 3-phrase process -- meeting Randy, meeeting Mike (Keenan) and talking with Eric. I came fro a place I didn't have to leave. It was a great place, I learned a lot. There had to be a comfort level on my side"





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Nobody at Senior Bowl?

"I don't [think it was a big deal]. We had our scouts there. I don't think it's a matter of being behind. Sometimes you've got to put the pedal to the bottom of the floor. That's what we're going to do."

Drought v. Steelers, 11 losses in a row.

"The Steelers are a great football team. They've had a process that's worked for them. I don't think the Steelers are any more of a task than any other team. They're in our division. Sure we want to beat division opponents. I think we attack each team as we go along."

What about the skeptics in town about your lack of GM experience?

"I think there's a lot of quality people out there, no doubt about it. I'm going to pull from everybody I can, relationships I've met. I don't think it's unhealthy to want somebody who's had a proven track record. The Browns, I think, have analyzed that. I'm glad they came to this decision. It's up to the people involve to make it the right decision."

What about your point man on draft? Who is it and other staff?

"I'm going to run the [draft] meeting. I'm going to use all those guys. I know a lot of them, I don't know some of them. We're going to attack it."

Can you use your Baltimore info?

"I didn't swipe anything," he says, joking.

"You're going to get the opinions of your staff here. We want people on board. If you can't rely on your own people, who can you rely on?"

Only four picks in the draft?

"I do plan on making excellent decisions. Whether it's four picks or 14, we have to do a good job. Free agency, ... it's important I get with our staff here to get their feelings on this team. We're going to build this team in the draft, there's no doubt about it. We want to build something solid, something concrete."

Will you go on the road a lot?

"So far on the calendar I scheduled today [here]." ... another joke?

"As you go through the year, it [my schedule] is going to change. When I need to be on the road, I'll go on the road. When I need to be here, I'll be here."

Your relationship with Eric play a big role?

"Like I said, I believe in the head coach. I have relationships all over this league. I think chemistry is important. I think respecting somebody's opinion professionally is important. Because when disputes come up, you still have respect for somebody. When you have a personal relationship like [us], you know you can have that."

On the Browns.

"I think there's skill level on this team, competitive talent. To go into specifics, I can't get into it. There's skill and talent and capable players."

Quarterback question.

"We're going to have two quargterbacks on the roster, yes. Both [Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn] have skill level. Brian Daboll's going to be a big part of it and Carl Smith's going to be a big part of it. I'm interested to see what they're going to run. For me to sit here and say we're going to pick one or the other, I need to be more familiar with what Eric and Brian want to do."

Will you retain the scouts on board?

"I have no set agenda in terms of the scouts right now. I think their main focus is to do what they can to get this personnel department ready for the draft. They're going to be relied upon heavily, relied on to be loyal, dedicated and roll up their sleeves. We've got a draft to prepare for."

Why did you want the job.?

"For me, it was the natural move. I've been afforded the opportunities to see so many facets of an organization. I just think it was the natural move for me to make at this time."

What about going to the Belichick tree again and again?

"Everybody's different. Whatever trees you come out of. I understand the question. This is really not about what Phil [Savage] did or what I'm going to do. This is about moving forward."


nordawg

I agree pretty much with your take on how the build will take place. I see just like any other new regime ppersonel being moved/let go becuase they do not fit into the new plans, then your gonna have those players, who fit the system and are loved by the new regime and be "safe" then there will be the players who are walking that fine line, and though I don't see a need for massive changes this year that may not be the case next season. I have a feeling those players who are considered the tweeners will be let to either grow, or shoot themselves in the foot and eventually move on, so as of right now the changes look to be low but that can easily change depending on what certain players do next season.

Trade DA. for a draft pick and bring in a Veteran Back -up !

McManamon: New Browns GM preaches team concept
Kokinis has final say on roster, plans to build team through draft

By Patrick McManamon
Beacon Journal sports columnist

POSTED: 12:17 p.m. EST, Jan 26, 2009

General Manager George Kokinis was affable and pleasant at his first news conference with the Browns today, but he didn't offer a lot of specifics in terms of his personnel department and the team's roster.

He did say that he will have final say on the 53-man roster, which is significant. Of course, he also talked about consensus and working together and the fact that he does have final say not being important.

"Once we get all the information and hear everybody's opinion about it, we're going to come to a decision on what is best for this football team," Kokinis said.

Browns President Mike Keenan introduced Kokinis and talked about Kokinis' passion for the city and the Browns. We hear that a lot about people these days.

Kokinis started by saying owner Randy Lerner cares about the team. Kokinis thanked the Ravens, where he spent 13 years, then thanked his parents for their life lessons and thanked his wife.

He said: "I do believe in this owner. He loves the Browns. He wants them to be great. And that's important. I believe in this head coach. . . . And I believe in the fans of Cleveland. The fans of Cleveland care about football, and it doesn't really matter what level."

He said he had no timetable on things, and did not want to get into the specifics of the roster. He used a lot of clichés, which is appropriate probably at this forum. Work ethic. Hard work. Get better every day. That kind of stuff.

It does not sound like there will be major changes in the scouting department for the short term. Kokinis said he would run college scouting meetings and seemed to defer any possible changes until down the road, if then.

On the final roster, Kokinis said: "In the end I'll have final say on the 53. It's not what's important here. What's important here is getting together, being on the same page and doing what is best for the Cleveland Browns."

Kokinis said former Browns and Giants GM Ernie Accorsi was involved in the process of his hiring.

Asked about the Browns' inability to beat the Steelers, he said: "I don't think the Steelers are any more of a task than any other team."

He said the Browns will be built from the draft. "That's what I believe in," he said.

Finally, asked about the fact that Mangini was hired prior to the GM, Kokinis said: "In the end the owner is in charge of hiring the coach. (In Baltimore) we gave as much information to Steve Biscotti as we could. In the end I think he nailed it in John Harbaugh. Coming here, I think Randy gained as much information as he needed. I think he nailed it."

nordawg

Eo, so basically you are saying that most of the change will come from the bottom of the roster.... I guess that's nothing all that unusual anyway is it...

So, unless we see DA, Edwards, Williams, Quinn or Winslow dealt away for Draft picks, then it's all bottom of the roster stuff....

Quote:

---

Kokinis said former Browns and Giants GM Ernie Accorsi was involved in the process of his hiring.

---

I respect the heck out of Ernie, but still I've heard the song, seen the dance, I'm gonna wait to see the results before jumping on thier bandwagon.

also I see Pat Moriarity is in Baltimore, I always liked Pat when he was returning punts for us, he was what 5' 8" 160 pounds wet.

Just clicking

Anyone take the time to listen to the Kokinis presser on the Browns main site.

Pretty impressive guy... I hadn't heard him talk much before... well, never really.

I expected him to say all the right thngs but, he doesn't come across as a snake oil salesman... seems genune...


Seems pretty smart... some of the reporters seemed to want to trap him into committing to one QB or the other.. he very deftly handled that.. it actually seemed like a real answer, not one of those contrived, annoyed with the question type answers.


When asked why a Coach from the Belichick tree and a GM from the Ravens tree would work this time when it didn't work the last time..

Basically,,, different people. different expeiences... Good answer...probably the only answer he could give really.

Overall, it's hard not to like this guy....

They,, meaning Koks and Mangini both talked alot about Core Values... That's kinda new... before the talk was about character.. I don't know if this is something new or if it's just words...

either way, it's different..

Being the eternal optimist, I'd like to think we've hit the jackpot.... I guess I'll wait and see like everyone else. But I saw no glaring misques on his part that would tell a bad story to come.

Asked about the Browns' inability to beat the Steelers, he said: "I don't think the Steelers are any more of a task than any other team."

In 240 days you will proud of your Cleveland Browns...ooops wrong school

He said the Browns will be built from the draft. "That's what I believe in," he said.
Impress me then...show me something I haven't seen come draft day..

The jackpot is a trip of the lever that results in an AFC Championship. Anything less, given 3 years, would be unacceptable.

Quote:

---

The jackpot is a trip of the lever that results in an AFC Championship. Anything less, given 3 years, would be unacceptable.

---

You are kinda like me in a way.. part of me says,, if we don't win a superbowl in 3 years, fire everyone.. But the other side of me says... don't be an idiot. if we have 3 losing seasons,, then yeah, we would have to start all over again. but if we get in the play offs three years in a row, maybe win one game but lose 3 others,,, I might not feel so bad..

In fact, I'd kinda get the feeling that an dynasty was in the making. one thing for sure, it would be better than what we've had for the last 9 years

NRTU

I've got to agree with those saying that Williams will NOT be gone this yr. I couldn't imagine playing 3-4 DE with one arm, and that is basically what Williams was trying to do this yr., AS WELL as learning a new system. Those of you disappionted, give the guy another chance, I don't believe you'll be disappionted.

As for the DA/Quinn debate, I just don't see how we can go into next season with both guys on our roster. One of them will be gone.....They are just two different for us to run the same scheme if one goes out.

JMHO

The jackpot is a trip of the lever that results in an AFC Championship. Anything less, given 3 years, would be unacceptable.



Hmmmm.."YOUR LACK OF FAITH IS DISTURBING..Admiral..Do not underestimate the powers of the DARKSIDE..''

Quote:

---

Hmmmm.."YOUR LACK OF FAITH IS DISTURBING..Admiral..Do not underestimate the powers of the DARKSIDE..''

---

I thought Dark Helmet and the power of the Schwartz was coaching for the Lions...

Anyhoo, as with this whole off-season, I've adopted a wait-and-see attitude. Just show me on the field. All else is just talk, and we've heard a lot of that before.

Quote:

---

I thought Dark Helmet and the power of the Schwartz was coaching for the Lions...

---

Dark Helmet and the Power of the Schwartz are on opposing sides... sheesh, get it straight.

and Daman...we can presume that but nothing written in stone. I know a lot of people came down cause of the record and the unpopularity of Savage but the personnel here is so much better than anytime I've seen it before after a Change.

When I here things like from Willie McG and Rodney Harrison state when asked who of the new coaches will have the most success - Harrison right away said - "Mangini"

Next up was Willie McG..."Mangini - cause of the guys that are there."

We have talent on this team. A new regime will get rid of dead weight and upgrade wherever possible. Usually that last part would determine wholesale changes. But in our case upgrades will not be easily obtained on a widespread basis. Yes, there will be turnover on two counts but longer over time. Cause most of the upgrades on starters will have to be big investments and you can only make so many of those.

That is why I see the tweaking of the Non-starters/Depth/Special Teamers to be easily done.

But as noted a SB champion just 3 seasons ago the Steelers only had 22 returning from that roster and they are a stable team as there is. So 3 seasons from now I'm sure we can expect at least 30+ easily to be new on the team. Probably close to 40.

Can't connect to the press conference on the main site.

Oh one thing I did remember from past changes...I think it might have even been with Savage. The first draft...you don't want to make many changes in the scouting department. He kept most on the staff for the draft. After it was over he started making his changes. So a lot of Kokinis' guys should probably come AFTER the DRAFT.

Most feel obligated to their present teams...this is their season. After the draft...most of the FA work is done as well as the Draft - then they can look to switch.

JMHO

No, you are not correct.

Yogurt and Dark Helmet were on opposing sides. There are 2 sides to every Schwartz and Yogurt got the bigger side.

Quote:

---

I think giving them 3 is more than lenient,...given what we've ALL had to put up with for 45 years.

---

Yeah, 45 years of giving them 3 and then the boot.

I certainly hope that Kokinis has a better handle of the roster and football operations than he did with his "stammering" press conference. He seemed to be more concerned about being politicaly correct then he was about what it will take to win a championship. We are looking for someone that has some pentup testosterone and so far we have "Mr. Rodgers".
Not happy right now.

im sure you would be as nervious if not more it it was you in front of the camera in front of everyone

I wasn't all that thrilled with the press conference, either. Just finished watching it. Hmmm...maybe he doesn't want to start yapping about future changes on his first official day as the Browns GM? I'm guess we'll see how he really feels once he evaluates this team and starts making changes.

While I still don't feel that League experience and Friendships are a substitute for Actual experience and success as a GM in the NFL....What's done is done and I wish Mr. Kokinis well ....Go Browns ! ....

He is not going out for the National Debate Team. I don't care if he only grunts and points during a press conference. All I care about is the results on the field.

It all goes to charecter and who you are. I am this and this is who I am...."Take Charge"
Instead of Popeye.. we have "Wimpey"