Team president Mike Holmgren didn't waste any time making a decision when he met with Eric Mangini Monday morning, as he relieved the former Cleveland Browns head coach of his duties. Holmgren is expected to address the media at 1:00 PM today to discuss the situation further.
The final straw had to come over the last four weeks of the season, when the Browns finished a very disappointing 0-4 and lacked the offensive and defensive punch they had earlier in the season. The team did have to deal with some tough injuries, but so did a lot of other teams in the NFL.
Based on the reports that have come out, here is what has been speculated:
- Holmgren is expected to conduct a full interview process for the head coaching position, not just to satisfy the Rooney Rule.
- While it is still possible that Holmgren could coach the team, Seneca Wallace stated that Holmgren said he would not be coaching the team.
- Per Jason La Canfora of NFL.com, he thinks John Fox is the favorite to come in and coach the team. With that said, he said that the Browns love Jon Gruden and that Gruden does seem to have some interest in coming to Cleveland.
- There is no word yet on whether the team will retain defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and special teams coach Brad Seely. No other staff changes have been announced.
Use this thread to discuss the situation in full.