DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Mangini is man in charge, but he's not making friends (article)...

What's the word from the presser?

I'm listening to WTAM online and the presser isn't on nor have they even mentioned it.

Eric probably fired the news guy..

Here's some...


Eric Mangini meets the media
February 4th, 2009 by Pat McManamon

Highlights from Eric Mangini's news conference Wednesday in Berea. Most of this is right from Mangini, but I will make a couple comments:

Why he hasn't met more of his players yet: "I've met some guys who have been in the building. When they come in the offseason program I like to spend a concentrated amount of time with each player and make it meaningful." He said he'd rather meet players that way than have a quick meeting crossing paths in the hallway.

He was asked about the Hall of Fame Mural, and he said he'd "love" to talk about it. Prior to his hire, Mangini said the Browns had been discussing moving the mural to the front of building, in the entrance lobby. "I thought that (mural) would be better in a higher traffic area where anybody coming and going can appreciate that (mural)," Mangini said. He added: "What I said is true: I believe in the history of this organization."

He said there were many different ideas about the lobby, but added the exact same mural would not be placed there. Asked why it was taken down, he said again to put the tribute in the lobby.

On the way he's been portrayed so far, which is aloof and distant, he said: " I think anytime somebody new comes in there's a process of getting to know that person. I feel really comfortable with who I am, the things that I do. Everything that we do is done for a specific reason, and that's to give us the best chance to win."

Asked why he didn't greet Shaun Rogers at the Cleveland Sports Awards Banquet, Mangini said he didn't "even realize Shaun was there. I know that's hard to believe knowing how big he is." He said the two were like destroyers crossing in the night. (Personal note: Those there said the two crossed within a few feet of each other.)

On drafting a player, he said: "I don't want to watch a player on tape until I know about the player as a person."

He was asked about the sensitivity of redecorating the building — including painting the walls — while people were being laid off. He said: "It's not like we're throwing up new drapes. I understand the difficult times we're in. I never would treat that with anything but absolute seriousness. The changes we do make are with the intent of helping us improve as a team and an organization. That's really the only objective and only motive." Mangini didn't explain how painting the walls affected winning.

On the players he liked when he saw them on film:

–LB D'Qwell Jackson: " He's pretty much in the frame at the end of every play. That's always what you're looking for. You want to count how many defenders are in that last frame. He seems to be everywhere."

–RB Jamal Lewis: "I like watching that toughness, the way he grinds up yards."

–OT Joe Thomas: "He's done a really nice job."

–KR Josh Cribbs: "I've seen enough highlights of him on ESPN that it's hard to miss a guy like that."

He did not get into specifics about the quarterbacks, saying the evaluations of Derek Anderson and Bray Quinn are ongoing. Asked to asses Brady Quinn, he said: "It wouldn't be a far assessment. It's not something that I think at this point that you can define."

On the rivalry with the Steelers: " I appreciate the rivalry. I appreciate the tradition. I appreciate the excitement behind those games. I was here before. I get that. I love that. Being at New England and some of the rivalries that we had, especially with the Jets at that point, that was always exciting. Going to the Jets as a head coach, the rivalry intensified a little bit. There were some things that happened that made the rivalry more interesting. That was fun, but you want to balance that you don't create so much mystique about the opponent that you go into the game with a competitive disadvantage. You want to go into the game knowing what it takes to beat that opponent."

On what the Browns have to do to beat the Steelers: "Thirty-one teams are answering that same question. We get to answer that same question twice a year. What we need to do is make sure we're improving each day."

Whether the gap between the Steelers and Ravens and Browns is as wide as it seems: "Every year is its own year. Everybody starts at the same level. What you do that year, the decisions you make, the way you work … that controls what happens that year."

"I thought that (mural) would be better in a higher traffic area where anybody coming and going can appreciate that (mural)," Mangini said

Oh my god !.. He MOVED it ... What WILL the beat writers complain about now ?

that he wont say who we are going to draft, or who our starting qb will be! or maybe what color he painted his office....haha our media writers are pathetic!

"He said there were many different ideas about the lobby, but added the exact same mural would not be placed there. Asked why it was taken down, he said again to put the tribute in the lobby."

Try to pay attention.

Uh ?


The point of the story is he was accused of painting OVER it. "Destroying" our great history. Turns out it was just moved.. Someone didn't pay attention but it wasn't ME.

haha yeah moving it isnt nearly as bad as setting it on fire and dancing around it chanting strangs words, thats the way it was made to sound like it was such a big thing that he moved it....i could care less if he painted the whole stadium pink as long as at the end of the game we had a W. the reporters and some of us posters are focused on the wrong things!

From Grossi...

He said he had dinner Tuesday night with Romeo Crennel and the former coach offered "great insight" about the players, but he said that Crennel wants Mangini to remain objective about his team. Mangini said a future role for Crennel has not been defined but will continue to be discussed.

Mangini said that Kokinis will make some changes in the scouting department and will add people, but he declined to discuss who and when.

He said he has about "four or five" positions to fill on his coaching staff and indicated that some may come from the college ranks.

By Fred Greetham

Posted Feb 4, 2009


For the first time in over three weeks, new head coach Eric Mangini was available to the media. The OBR's Fred Greetham was there, and reports on a variety of topics Mangini touched on. Including (cue ominous music) "The Great Mural Debacle".

Berea—Eric Mangini met with the media for the first time since his introductory press conference on Jan. 8 and addressed topics covering a variety of issues.

We’ve tried to break it down and hit the highlights in a question and answer format.

Mangini announced that he has hired three assistant coaches to his staff and said he would probably add four to five more, and that the offseason program would begin on March 16. Mangini also offered a little insight on some of the players that caught his attention, including D’Qwell Jackson, Joe Thomas and Josh Cribbs.

As far as assistant coaching news is concerned, Mangini announced that Tom Myslinski and Alan DeGennero was retained from Romeo Crennel’s staff , and George Warhop was named the offense line coach. Warhop was with the 49ers last year.

Now, on to the Q&A...

What is your evaluation now of the team?

Mangini: “I didn’t come in with a lot of expectations. I learned from my first experience that when you expect some things it ends up different than what you think.

“I didn’t go into it with expectations so you don’t want to go into something with a preset bias. I’ve taken as much feedback as I can and want to clearly articulate. George (Kokinis) and I are very clear on this and I don’t want to watch a player on tape until I know what he’s like in the locker room.”

Do you think the Browns can win next year?

Mangini: “One thing I really believe is that every year is its own year. You don’t start at 4-12 or 10-6. Every decision you make and what that group of guys do is what determines that.

“I believe that each year is unique. It’s going to be a collective combination of what every one does that determines that.”

What is your response as far as not having met with most of the players?

Mangini: “I’ve met with some guys who have been in the building. I like to spend some meaningful time with the players as we get ready going into the offseason. Those are the meetings that I’m preparing for. I like to spend a lot of time preparing for that and not just have a meeting with not a lot of meaning.

“Any time somebody new comes in there’s a process. Everything we do is for specific reasons and that is to win. I feel really good about the relationships I’ve had with the players in New York and look forward to that here. I’m very comfortable with who I am and I know when there are changes in a new environment, it takes getting used to.”

What about the incident of walking by Shaun Rogers and not talking to him?

Mangini: “I didn’t really know he was there. I know that’s hard to believe as it’s like a couple of destroyers passing each other. He’ll be able to spend some time with Kris Jenkins at the Pro Bowl. I really enjoyed watching him play on tape.”

What has been the delay in hiring assistant coaches?

Mangini: “In terms of hiring coaches, we’re trying to get a group of guys that are intellectually smart and we want them to be agreeable but disagreeable. It’s very important for me to get the best group of guys possible. Part of the delay has been the college signing day and guys wanted to wait until that was over. Some of those guys we will bring through now. I’m looking forward to finishing the staff but want to make sure we get it right.”

Summarize since George Kokinis has joined you:

Mangini: “We’ve been looking at our players and meet with scouting, medical, security and learning as much about our players as possible. George and I have been working with upcoming scouting combine and free agency. It’s been a busy month and it will be an important month in moving forward.

“It’s a work in progress. George hasn’t been here very long. We’re trying to put everything together and look at needs, musts and look at a big picture. A must is a position you feel you have to improve, you have to fill.”

Do you have a must list?

Mangini: “We’re definitely developing a must list and needs list, but not something I’ll probably be sharing.”

Do you want to clear up the infamous Hall of Fame mural situation?

Mangini: “I’d love to. When I got here, (the mural) was something in a tribute area. We discussed moving it to the front of the building. I thought that would be better to be in a higher traffic area. As I said before, it is important to know the history of this organization and the tribute to those who made this organization great.”

Is it the same mural that will be put up?

“No, we’re moving it.I think it’s important for the building to reflect your beliefs. The important thing is to do it the way I think is best. That is no reflection of the way things were done in the past.”

Given the recent layoffs of Browns employees, it might appear these moves are unnecessary.

Mangini: “It’s not like we’re putting up new drapes. I appreciate we’re going through tough times, and the only objective is to help us get better.”

Any contact with Romeo Crennel and has he helped you with any of the evaluations?

Mangini:“Romeo and I went out to dinner and our relationship hasn’t changed. One of the great things about Romeo is he wants me to be objective in my evaluations.”

Do any players stand out to you from the film study?

Mangini:“I really enjoyed watching D’Qwell (Jackson). He’s pretty much in the frame on every play. He seems to be everywhere.

“I like the toughness of Jamal (Lewis)and the way he grinds out yards. What we also have to take into account is what they’re being asked to do.

“Joe (Thomas) has done a really nice job. Josh (Cribbs) is fun to watch. You see highlights on ESPN and I like to watch him play. I don’t know what Josh’s potential is, but he makes a lot of plays.”

Any determination on the quarterback situation?

Mangini: “It’s tough to say because there are a lot of things to look at. (Offensive coordinator) Brian (Daboll) has talked to (Derek Anderson) and Brady (Quinn) a little bit. I don’t really have a definition on the way that has to go. I’m open to all possibilities. It wouldn’t be a fair assessment with the quarterback position. It’s more on how they work and how they lead. With Derek and Brady, we have to get to know them better and watch them work and in talking to Brian.”

What do you want your defense to be known for?

Mangini: “You’re always looking to stop the run. That’s where it starts and you don’t want to give up big plays. Those are two big areas. The key to the 3-4 is its flexibility. You can change the coverage with the linebackers you rush.”

What will your offensive system be like?

Mangini: “We started with a system that was very similar to what was here last year. One of the reasons I wanted to bring in Brian and take the best of these systems. I like to take the best of each of these offenses together and create an offense that’s best for us.”

Thoughts on Willie McGinest coming back?

Mangini: “I haven’t talked to Willie. He sent me a text. We have to see where he is at. For someone who has done what he’s done, it takes some time for him to see where he wants to go.”

Are you up to speed for the draft?

Mangini:“We’re catching up on the draft. The scouts are in this week and George has been able to meet with them and articulate the vision.”

Your thoughts on the Steelers being more than just another game?

Mangini: “I appreciate the rivalry and the tradition. I was here before. I get that. You get up for those games.You’re always trying to balance that knowing what you need to do to win those games. It’s understood and the energy is inherent. What you’re trying to do is channel that energy into beating the Steelers.

“They’re the best in the NFL. There are 31 other teams trying to answer that question. We have to make sure that we’re getting better as a team and as an organization. When you get to that week, you have to know what it takes to win that game.”

What’s your relationship with Randy Lerner now?

Mangini: “I talk to Randy once or twice a day and that relationship was very important to me coming into this job. I see that continuing to grow.

“A lot of those things will come up between now and free agency. What’s important to me is gathering information and see the vision moving forward.”

Do you sense that Browns fans are different than what they were when you were here before in your time out and about in the community?

Mangini:“The passion will be here. It’s built in, but I haven’t been out much.”

j/c,...you could lose to the Steelers twice a year for every year from now until 2050,...

If you're 14-2 and go to the playoffs, who would care,...??

I'm serious,...it doesn't bother me anymore.

I completely agree OoohRah...Just friggin win and get us to the playoffs (and subsequently the Super Bowl).

Well they've got a lot of work to do..a lot..to evalute talent vs the rubbish..of course grading the LB's shouldn't be real hard..that can done with the snap of my finger

Needs? STUD LB's and some WR's that can catch..

It's not 4:29pm and this is what's up under browns coverage on WTAM

http://www.wtam.com/pages/Browns.html

Basically, they are just announcing that he will have a presser.. and may I add, there isn't anything on the Browns main site either.

Maybe it's a hush hush, super secret press conference that the Press isn't invited too

Thanks for the support (I don't get much around here,...).

Just ask real Steeler fans if they cared about losing to the Browns every year back in the 50's,...did it really matter ??

Would it have mattered this year if the Browns had won the 10-6, first meeting game, gone 5-11 instead while the Steelers still went to the Super Bowl,....

Begging the obvious question,...of the Steelers 4 70's Super Bowl win seasons, how many times did they lose to the Browns,....and, if it WAS 8 times, did it MATTER ??

This "rivalry" is way overrated.

Back on thread point,....I hope Mangini is worrying a lot more about a lot of other crap.

I want 14-2 with 2 wins over the Steelers every year damnit

Don't we all,...(especially Romeo,...!) I hate picking on him,....

"I’ve talked to coaches who have been interviewed by the current Browns regime, and there is such a negative feeling already in the building that no one wants to face the season."

Oh please...

That couldn't be further from the truth. There is an atmosphere of hope around Berea. Players that have met with Mangini buy into him and Coke after talking with him.

I have been so hopeful that I have sometimes lost perspective. Now I have to be realistic. Why Mangini? He was a former intern and likes the Browns?

We need real talent and we get a fan. If Mangini had done remarkable things for some college and then done remarkable things for some pro team then we spot his talent....you know the story. Paul Brown revisited.

Mangini had about as many wins as losses and recruited his former roommate for GM. They get long...good but not remarkable and surely not enough to make me believe we are now going to resurect the Browns.

Sorry but I don't believe and I think Lerner needs an advisor that knows football. SOmeone that will tell him the story. The Browns are the worst run professional sport in CLeveland and are pushing the Bengals for the Ohio title of worst franchise. I am a fan but it is getting hard to watch.

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but heres a news flash . guys like U and Pit and blue type man are JUST AS UNCREDIBLE .... u guys do the same EXACT THING THE MEDIA DOES ... yet its OK for U .... *LOL* ...

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Dim...did even read what I posted above?

Obviously you didn't...yea, I'm doing the same thing the media is doing...lord help diam.

As for your claim that Mike Lombardi, (the two time loser as a NFL GM) is suddenly a creditable journalist....try reading what most NFL fans think of the guy?

Lombardi is a media hack who survives on vague information and un-named sources.

Dim...in other words, Lombardi just makes stuff up...and waits for guys like you to choke it down and spread his manure.

I'm not the only Browns fan who has pointed out that the local media appears to have an axe to grind with Mangini and Kokinis worrying more about that mural than the Stoolers HC dissing the Browns, "he, he, he". One guy called in to WKNR this afternoon and said he thought Grossi was an idiot for sticking up for Tomlin. Is Grossi trying to get a job in Pittsburgh?...damn traitor.

The media has a bone caught in their rears and can't seem to get it out. Come to think of it dim, you got the same problem the media has.

Dim...you want to claim I'm just like the media?....

Wow, I have no idea where you pulled that out of...have a good day...mac

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It's funny that so many people will gladly and eagerly accept reports that things are so terrible with the Browns, yet when someone says that things aren't that bad, they're "drinking the kool-aid" or wearing "orange colored glasses." You can't have your cake and eat it too.

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It's called 4-12 and years of futility. We have been so bad so long hearing that things don't look good just seems par for the course. Hearing things look great well that is a novel idea. Like when Columbus started spouting off the the world was round. Everyone just looked at him kinda funny.

I seem to remember a lot of people being on the were great bandwagon by the end of the 2007 season.

mac - typo or on purpose??? Never min you don't need to answer that.

Someone that has talent and can evaluate talent and sees how the game has evolved...someone. Look at all of the great coaches we had and are now somewhere else. The real success comes form a coach that can lead and find a Great QB or some team leader that the team can rally around. The coach decides who that is and then the team moves forward. Now we don't really have that leadership. Sounds simple but it is hard for most teams to find...impossible for us.

Do any players stand out to you from the film study?
Mangini:“I really enjoyed watching D’Qwell (Jackson). He’s pretty much in the frame on every play. He seems to be everywhere.
“I like the toughness of Jamal (Lewis)and the way he grinds out yards. What we also have to take into account is what they’re being asked to do.
“Joe (Thomas) has done a really nice job. Josh (Cribbs) is fun to watch. You see highlights on ESPN and I like to watch him play. I don’t know what Josh’s potential is, but he makes a lot of plays.”
Well we know who makes up 4 of his Fab Five
But what's with the remark after the Lewis comment?
It would appear on the surface that perhaps Lewis wasn't utilized the way he should have been?
Not enough touches?
Or, he's tough but not what I'm looking for at his salary given his reduction in carries? Or, he's tough but lets realize that he's at best a short yardage back ...
This could interesting...we could see a change in the RB spot..perhaps Lewis becomes a short yardage back more..and they get a feature back in the draft
I've said many times I have a large distaste for the backs behind JL..

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It would appear on the surface that perhaps Lewis wasn't utilized the way he should have been?
Not enough touches?

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OR, maybe Mangini realizes the key to Lewis' production is directly tied to the quality of the blocking in front of him?

The Browns offensive line is soft in the middle-right which eliminates a key area of real estate where a guy like Lewis thrives....mac

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But what's with the remark after the Lewis comment?

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“I like the toughness of Jamal (Lewis)and the way he grinds out yards. What we also have to take into account is what they’re being asked to do.

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Key word here..."THEY'RE"...What THEY'RE asked to do...

I think he was referring to ALOT of these guys...Not just who he mentioned...#1 would be Wimbley...Wright & McDonald...He likes Jackson so that leaves the back-ups cause Davis and MGinest are history...THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

This is gonna be more than interesting...And what about Jones???...Do we let him fly???...No problem with that so we can secure an upgrade at a Safety spot...These are reasons why our sorry ass media needs to get a clue...This stuff is gonna take TIME...Specifically Grossi...He's just dyin' to know about our QB situation...lol...

I'll answer for ya' Grossi...

It's QUINN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...And we'll work a deal with Minny...There...How's that...Happy...