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Item: Floyd Reese is hired as senior adviser to the New England Patriots.
Thought: Reese couldn't even garner an interview with the Browns. Significant? You bet. Reese would have been an excellent hire. I think he hurt himself campaigning a bit before the season ended, but Reese was an experienced guy I'd have at least interviewed. This does not mean George Kokinis will not succeed. He might. Kokinis seems like a very good guy. I just think Reese in addition to Kokinis might have been a stronger team, and that talking to Reese would not have hurt.
Item: Several commenters have stated I am lamenting the Browns layoffs because I lost an inside source.
Fact: I did not lose an inside source. Repeat: I did not lose an inside source.
Thought: Now people will say that because I said I didn't that I must have lost one, the old "methinks he doth protest too much" theory. "Losing" a source is really a misnomer. If a person treats another with decency and honesty, he does not lose said contact as a friend. When I've done my job I've always tried my best to follow three principles: It's better to be right than first. Honesty is paramount. It's not worth losing a friendship for information. Does it always work? Of course not. It's not a perfect world. But it's worked a lot more often than it hasn't. When people leave the team I've covered, I've maintained the friendship. I've got a lot of friends around the league. They're not sources, they're friends.
Item: Several commenters also have stated that I should give the new guys a chance.
Fact: I will. If they make smart moves, I'll praise them. But I'm not gonna praise moves I think are stupid and wrong.
Thought: I've also got to tell the truth. And I can relate unequivocally that it is my opinion that some of the things being done and planned in Berea have nothing to do with helping the team win, but have a lot to do with power and ego and that kind of stuff. Does this make me right? No. It makes me what I've always said I am: A guy who is lucky enough to be able to type fast. But it is my opinion this team needs a) to win, b) to have an open environment where people TALK to the fans, and c) to not laud the team's past and tradition in one moment while disparaging it in another.
Item: The mural of the Browns Hall of Famers has been removed.
Photo by Kevin Naugle, OBR Watercooler forum
Thought: I've been told by a few people that the team does not like the criticism over this decision and will try to save face and re-produce it elsewhere in the building, then say the entire plan was always to move it. We shall see.
Another thought: Here's what I don't get about the mural. It was put there by somebody, and somebody wanted it there. A new coach arrives, and he's entitled to do things his way — to a point. So he suggests it be removed so the wall can be painted. Why did someone not say: 'Um, coach, those are our Hall of Famers. They stay.' I don't get it. Is every coach hired by the Browns going to re-decorate the building? Is not the Browns history bigger than any one person or coach? One point of reality: Randy Lerner cares passionately about the team's past. If I ever implied otherwise, I was wrong to do so. Nobody cares more about the team's past than him, so it very well may be that he will ensure that this tribute to the guys in Canton does not go away.
Item: The Cavs are an outstanding team.
Thought: It really is silly to be spending this much time on a team that will not play a game until September while the Cavs are having the year they are having, and while the Indians prepare to leave for spring training. But I also write about the Browns, and this latest re-birth was a very important time. The Browns had a chance for a home run. They would up with Eric Mangini. Time will tell how it works out. If the Browns were doing all sorts of things that I agreed with now, I'd be writing about that. It just so happens they've done a lot of things I disagree with. And I can't help that. But I also feel pretty strong that if everyone knew everything I've been told about what's been done and said, they'd understand my feelings. They might not agree, but they'd understand. I mean, I'm not writing this stuff because I'm making it up.
Item: The layoffs with the Browns were attributed to the economy.
Fact: That's what they said.
Thought: How is it going to be the economy when people are hired in some of the same jobs that were vacated? And … Peter King wrote this in an SI.com item: "The layoffs were made, in part at least, to establish a one-voice organization by Eric Mangini, and to pave the way for new Mangini loyalists to enter the building. Randy Lerner is not making cutbacks because of the economy."
Item: A one-voice organization.
Thought: Sheesh. Hope he wins.
I have avoided registering for a long time, but I felt many of the responses to your blogs have been rude, uninformed and, frankly, pretty ignorant. Your opinions are based on a lot more information and interaction than ANY of us fans have. As such, they're certainly valid, and they do serve to inform. Observations are not automatically negative; they're observations. I agree that for ANY sports team in any of the MAJOR professional sports leagues (NFL, MLB, NBA — even the NHL) to say they laid off people "because of the economy" is ridiculous.
I. too, have never trusted micromanagers. They are absolute hell to work for, and I would imagine they're just as difficult to report on. I, too, would love to see the Browns win, but I really would rather see a classy organization. I truly believe that if they operate with class, winning will come. See the Stealers as perhaps the best example, although the Raiders seem to be doing pretty well on that front. In any case, keep observing and informing. Some of us appreciate it!
What Mangini's approach does is suck all the unqualified enjoyment out of identifying with the Browns. He comes from the "sports is like going to the dentist" school of coaching.
Yeah, yeah, if he wins, nothing else matters.
I don't buy that.
It's time for you to stop writing about the Browns. For whatever reason, you have clearly lost all shards of objectivity — and worse, you can only write about them with a level of bitterness and anger that, frankly, is ruining your writing. You used to be the first columnist I read to get information and insight about what is going on in Cleveland sports in general and the Browns in particular … but you need to learn, immediately, that relentless screeds aren't worth the time to look at.
It's your career, after all.
The whole 'removing the mural' thing: its crazier at the college level.
I think it might be time for readers/fans/critics to acknowledge that one's extended exposure to both the team and the league can lead to increased impatience, decreased tolerance and absolute disgust with some of the relentlessly dubious decisions being made by the local football team.
As Patrick intimates, this latest rebirth presented ownership and the organization an opportunity to hit "a home run…but they ended up with Mangini."
It is certainly possible—and hoped for—that the product of these decisions and these particular hires will bear illustrious and historic fruit; but they all appear very questionably managed. Pioli, Peters, Schottenheimer are names that just begin the list of seemingly superior and resoundingly more certain fixes.
Why is it Clevelanders must always console themselves with next-best or significantly less-than-proven? Maybe this is what has eroded whatever blind-eye loyalty readers once imagined emanated from this reporter admonished with recent regularity.
Maybe the more informed and experienced Patrick becomes as to the inner workings of the sport he has been assigned to cover, the less able he has become to blissfully accept the repeated appearances of blunderific "leadership" and priorities.
After all, it is not as if this owner has a track record of success or insightful management, nor that he wasn't presented with more favorable options than he's apparently chosen. For a guy who absolutely had to get it right this time, he certainly has elected a most peculiar path.
Time will tell whether Lerner's visions will produce desired outcomes, but to have invested as he has in so suspect a regime at so critical a time given the alternatives available to him merits considerable doubt, particularly with all that has already manifested since their appointments.
That is what reporter McManamon is trying to communicate to a populace supposedly interested in as full a story as can be told. For him to be ripped as frequently as he is now being suggests fans are not as knowledgeable, objective, intelligent and interested in the truth as they like to claim.
It is not so much the imagined negativity of the media that undermines the teams, as has been accused, but the unrealistic expectations fans insist upon creating in themselves—aspirations almost certain to become unfulfilled without the correct leadership in place—that contribute to the impatience, frustration, hostility and animosity that ultimately and prematurely destroy seasons such as this last one.
If readers practiced the same level of objectivity and realism they demand of their media, they'd know better than to expect more than they've been getting from the Browns, become in turn less disappointed, angry, hateful and fault-finding.
Winning follows the installation of winners in charge. Patrick may be trying to inform those with hopes for a revival that these decision-makers aren't impressing as winners, at least thusfar.
Hey RedHawkRick their buying it in New England every year winning cures all ills.Period.They micromanage in New England and they have three Super bowls and an undefeated regular season to their resume.Boy that must really take the fun out of being a great organization.I don't care about all that superficial crap it's all window dressing.When I go into my local retail store I don't want to see Steelers jerseys and championship shirts every where I look.It makes me sick seeing people in their Steeler gear or Steeler banners hanging outside of houses in the neighborhood and Steeler decals on cars.Losing sucks and if you can except that over being micromanaged then you need find another job.I been a season ticket holder since 1980 and this was the worst season ever it was painful to watch.I'll say it again WINNING makes everything better.When the shirt your wearing says,WORLD CHAMPION CLEVELAND BROWNS.What else needs to be said?As far as Floyd Reese is concerned he was fired in Tennessee because they were losing and also over the salary cap and he wanted to fire Jeff Fisher.Fisher won the power struggle and they rebuilt the team into a winner without Floyd Reese.Floyd Reese isn't going to make New England better Bill Belichick will make Floyd Reese a better talent evaluator.If you want to talk about being micromanaged look at what is going in Kansas City.Scott Pioli has that place in lock down.He told his friends and family not to talk to reporters and you don't hear any rumors about possible coaches being interviewed.And a lot people thought Lerner should have hired him instead of Mangini.Kansas City doesn't have a coach they don't know what type of offense or defense their going to run.So what type of players should they be scouting?What are their needs?Who should they keep or release?They won't know until they hire a coach and he hires his coordinators.But coach Mangini has his offense,defense and special teams coaches and some position coaches in place.He's had chance to review the roster with the GM.And do a little makeover in Berea.If he wins all this nonsense will be long forgotten.GO BROWNS!!!
I agree that winning is all that matters. Pat, it seems that some of the local writers like you, Tony Grossi, etc. are hung-up on the personalities of the head coach and others in the organization. You in particular bent-over backwards to continually tell us what a "good guy" and "class act" Romeo Crennel was.
Do fans pay thousands of dollars each year to watch a "good guy" stand on the sidelines and then make incorrect/boneheaded decisions on a weekly basis leading to loss, after loss, after loss…all the while while failing to discipline players and gain control over his team?
What does it matter that Romeo was a good guy? He lost a lot more games than he won. He seemed to be in over his head and a complete failure as a leader and head coach of this team….sorry, but this is professional sports, not high school….classiness doesn't matter….only winning does.
I think you would be happier if we had retained your buddy Romeo for another year and resigned ourselves to the inevitability of another 5-11 season and more disfunction in the locker room, players like BE and KW2 running their mouths, players playing for themselves and not the team, etc. I for one have no problem with the new regime until they prove they are clueless failures like Romeo….if they win, they will have proven you wrong…but I'm sure you'll then write a column entitled "Yes they win….but they aren't classy enough for me."
There are obviously a number of people on these boards who agree with Mr.McManamon that Mangini's style is going to be a detriment to the Brown's organization. His micromanagement ways and limiting access to information and personnel makes him a bad choice. So it's not only about winning, it's about total candor about injuries and making all your coaches and players available to the media so they can keep the fans well informed. At the very minimum he'll share such details with the media and trust that they'll decide what they should and shouldn't print for the good of the team. So if he does win, competes for the division regularly, and at least splits with the Steelers while conducting himself in the same unacceptable, closed manner he operated with in New York, he'll be a failure and the fans will be screaming for his job.
On the other hand if the team goes mostly 8-8 with and occasional 9-7 season under his direction, he wins 1 of every 4 with the Steelers, has a shot at a wild card every 2-3 years, but is the model of open and frank relations with the press- Lerner will extend his contract, and the fans will hold him in reverence.
I understand Mr. McManamon's point of view, he's got a buffalo that's being gored. But, to the fans who honestly feel that Mangini's changing his secretive attitude and micromanagement style are as important to them as winning, I think you're going to find yourself in a highly principled minority.
I can't believe that people continue to defend this franchise. Don't you get tired of getting burned, of being wrong? Personally I can't defend it anymore. I've defended it countless times in the past and every single time I've been wrong to defend it. I've admittedly reached the apathetic point of no return, where I couldn't really care less what happens or how many losses are accrued next year.
Pat says "But I also feel pretty strong that if everyone knew everything I've been told about what's been done and said, they'd understand my feelings. "
Why don't we know? What are you holding back? From the surface, Pat and Grossi sound like whiners who are upset because Mangini is not as press friendly as Crennel. If there is more information that would change this perception I think Pat should share.
Saying "I've got secret info – if you knew what I knew you would agree with me – but I can't tell you what I know," is very suspicious to say the least.
Too bad Pat can't put it in writing so we "understand." So instead, I guess we just have to trust his feelings. Whatever.
I always doubted that Mangini was out to disrespect Browns HOF's. And Pat had reported that the mural was "painted over." That appears to be incorrect. It looks like it taken down and the cement behind it had to be repainted. Pat now reports that the mural may be put somewhere else. Hmmm – so which is it? The inconsistancies in the reporting lead us to question everything he writes.
So Pat, the Browns had a chance to hit a home run, did they? And who exactly would that home run be? Scott Pioli and a coach to be named later? I can only imagine the meltdown if Pioli came here and had still not named a coach at this late date. And if anything, the information lockdown that Pioli has set up in KC may be even worse than what you're seeing with the Browns. So if Pioli isn't your home run, who is?
Pat,
It's certainly awful for anyone to lose their jobs, especially when we're not talking about coaches and executives who will make millions on their way out the door. That said, the bulk of the people who have been given pink slips this winter have been in the Communications/PR departments. Let's look at the issues that the Browns have experienced with communications over the past several years.
– The LeCharles Bentley saga
– This season's K2 fiasco
– Anything involving the words staph and infection
– You probably can't blame Phil Savage's profane email after the Buffalo game on this list, but it comes to mind.
Let's face it, the communication coming from the Browns front office was spotty at best, and maybe that can be blamed on the ousted Savage regime, but I have a hard time blaming the new management group for ousting some people in that department given what we've seen on the list above (and I'm sure that I'm missing a few).
If they're looking for good hires I'd wonder if Bob Dibiasi has any top assistants that would be ready to be given a shot. That man does wonders in the Indians communications department.
I am 100% behind Mangini. I want to be entertained…I want WINS!!! I could care less about media presence, speaking ability, how they dress…I repeat..I WANT WINS! These guys can do it..I don't care about HOF murals, or if they practice in the SNOW! I WANT WINS AND I WANT TO BE ENTERTAINED! Now quit yer whining…and lets jack this team up about winning and get rid of our crybabies! (See #17). K2 must be disruptive too, and cannot block, pink slip these two and get some hardworking average players who we can be PROUD OF!
GO BROWNS!!!
I'm with you lynn, pat what exactly is this home run you speak of?
on a recent wknr interview with tony rizzo mcmanamon was asked who he would have chosen as coach. his answer: Brian Billick. Why? 1. he has a SB ring 2. he's a talker. You have to wonder about that second reason. Is giving soundbites to the fans and media really paramount among head coaching qualities? i think not.
It is clear that mcmanamon's primary objection to mangini is his relationship with the media. Not once does he question mangini as a diciplinarian, not once does he question his football acumen. He just continually implies that mangini is an a-hole. i.e. "he painted over a mural of HOF's! how outrageous!" isn't it mcmanamon who says the browns revel in the past too much?
Mcmanamon simply does not like mangini, and it shows in his writing.
It is clear from his past interactions with the media that Mangini will keep things close to the vest. That is his prerogative. I hope Kokinis is a better manager and communicator than Savage and gets that the fans expect a certain degree and quality of information coming from Berea.
A new regime would be expected to make some changes along the way. I'm generally not happy that longtime Browns staffers lost their jobs but understand given the change and perhaps the economic conditions how this can happen. I can only hope the removal of the mural was indeed planned and not part of a power trip. Mangini has been sold as Belichek light but we as fans really don't know him all that well other than by reputation.
I am more concerned about how this team perform on the field under the leadership of Kokinis/Mangini. And yes, I'm so desperate for these guys to be successful I'll make any excuse to only see the potential bright side of things (for now at least).
Maybe painting over the mural was Mangini's effort for a fresh start?
The Browns havent done much at all since they came back in 1999.
Maybe its time for this team to quit living in the past and write a new history.
I have some theories as to why this organization has been labeled dysfunctional.
You have a woman beating 1960's runningback (Jim Brown) and an over the hill,long retired quarterback (Bernie Kosar) that have had the owners ear for far too long.
Maybe this is some of what Mangini wants to cut ties with.
The Browns record the past 6 years under Randy is 33-63.
The Browns record under bother Lerner's is 54-95.
Don't tell me about how the Browns were "set up to fail" 10 years ago. There has been ample time to square this franchise away.
If anything, I think Patrick McManamon and other NE Ohio media people need to explain to Browns fans exactly why this is such a mediocre excuse for a pro football organization. Records like those above don't happen because a player or two gets injured.
I watched most of the Browns games this year, and in over 50 years of watching NFL teams play, I don't tink I've ever seen anything worse.
Browns fans need to know what's going on, and when someone is going to do something about this. Mangini and Kokoinis seem like nice enough young men. And it's nice that they're committed. But this team as no ORGANIZATION to support them or anyone else. It leaves no one in charge that is an experienced NFL executive (between the two of them, Mangini/Kokoinis have a whole 3 years of NFL experience in their jobs). There is not doubt in my mind that the Brown will play better the next few years. But there is also no doubt in my mind that they can forget about beating out the Ravens and Steelers, and will be lucky if Carson palmer i out and that can finish about the Bengals. For all the talk from the fans about "Super Bow", this team has finished below the Bengals 5 of the last 6 years. And everyone following the NFL knows that the Bengals stink.
I read a lot of these comments and can't believe what was said.
I looked at the media in NYC and talked to some friends there. I've seen Eric Mangini's teams play (Romeo beat him 2 out of 2).
There is no doubt in my mind that that Browns will play the 2005 Patriot system as close as they can with the players they have, as Romeo tried to. Brown fans will find that the strategy is similar, the in-game adjustments will be minimal and not work, and the clock management will be a disaster (I can always tell when a head coach is in the game when there is a penalty on 3rd down against his opponent – the quality coaches immediately signal in from the sidelines what they want to do – guys like Mangini and Romeo have to have an official come over and explain the options to them, then they have to talk on their headphones before coming up with an answer). So as a HC, the Browns will get Romeo II. The players attitudes and the locker room – Browns fans are going to get Butch Davis II – paranoid players not sure exactly what to do, who they can trust, etc.
You'll see.
My last post was about not caring if the Browns' management "got along", as long as they are competent and successful at their jobs. I was protesting the whole "are these guys a good fit?" discussion. Which brings me to the Browns Mural discussion. What people are saying about control and power, especially as it relates to the new management team, is all very interesting. What concerns me about removing something that relates to the franchise's tradition, is the effect it might have on our team karma…you know, luck, good fortune, chance, mojo…anything that influences the actions of the football gods, as some would say. Because this team has been unbelievably unlucky lately. Yes, there is a certain amount of stupidity & ignorance, too, but have you seen a Steelers game, recently? Every bounce, every call goes their way. They're good, but do they really need that much help?! We need to start building Team Goodwill (TG, for the stats people), and taking away historical murals is not a good move, cosmically speaking.
they should paint over the mural and replace it with a steaming pile of turds. that is the true tradition of the expansion browns.
That is an impressive mural! I'll bet very few if any current players can name half the players illustrated in that mural. All but a couple of these young guys aren't playing for the Browns tradition… they are playing for better stats, a bigger paycheck and hopefully to win a championship. It needs to be duplicated in the stadium so old school guys (like yours truly) can enjoy it.
I'm still waiting on someone to use their 'friends' to scoop them with some coaching moves, scouting notes and free agency insight…you know some real sports reporting not this HGTV/ National Enquirer/ESPN BS.
David
I saw this on the interweb. What say you Mr. McM. http://cursedcleveland.blogspot.com/2009/01/does-patrick-mcmanamon-owe-browns.html
so do the browns also owe pat a parade because he stuck up for this sorry regime until december? pat was one of the last people off the sinking s.s. cleveland browns.
To: Dennis from Avon.
I tried to e-mail you. But the e-mail bounced back to me. Is the e-mail address you left not valid? If you put an accurate e-mail on your comments, I'll get in touch.