News flash: The Browns hired Eric Mangini to be the team's coach. This has been expected for some time, but it's now official. Details on the contract and pay and structure and all that stuff will come soon enough.
For now, I've got to say I'm not doing cartwheels down the hallway. Mangini has credentials, and I understand Randy Lerner's thinking. I'm just not thrilled by the choice. This could all change, of course, if he wins games. Then it will become a great choice. But right now I'm not doing backflips. Or cartwheels.
Think nationally, not locally
The general local reaction seems comparable to mine. That Mangini has credentials, but is not the right fit at this time (clearly Lerner disagrees). But what's the take nationally? Foxsports ran a poll asking was Mangini the right guy, yes or no.
As of this writing there were 19,227 votes, and 63 percent voted yes. That's a pretty resounding total, and one that might want to make us locals (me included) pause for a minute.
Tidbit of information that will be in tomorrow's Beacon Journal: Nine of the last 11 Super Bowls have been won by coaches working for their second team (Tom Coughlin, Tony Dungy, Belichick, Jon Gruden, Dick Vermeil, Shanahan). Clearly the Browns are hoping that trend holds with Mangini.
Coordinator info
Mangini is expected to hire former Jets quarterback coach Brian Daboll as offensive coordinator, and ESPN.com reported Rob Ryan will leave the Raiders to be defensive coordinator. Apparently Romeo Crennel will not stay with the team. Fans will be pleased with Rob Ryan if he uses an attacking style defense like his brother Rex does in Baltimore.
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if rob ryan comes that makes me feel a little better about the mangini choice. the defense hasn't been the big problem in oakland.