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UPDATE (9:30 PM): Chudzinski has been fired. We have a new story up on DBN discussing the news, so head on over there.
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UPDATE (6:38 PM): Jay Glazer from FOX Sports is the latest national media member to weigh in:
Yes I think @mortreport def right about Cleveland. Told not done yet but firing Chud is where they are looking right now
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) December 29, 2013
UPDATE (6:13 PM): Michael Silver of NFL.com has joined the parade of rumors, with the following tweets:
A Browns coaching source, regarding reports that Chud may/will be fired: "This is out of nowhere."
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) December 29, 2013
I am texting with numerous Browns players and their emotions range from bewildered to furious
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) December 29, 2013
One Browns player: "We are so dysfunctional. These billionaires need to pick somebody and stay with them. These aren't girlfriends..."
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) December 29, 2013
"... you can't dump them if they (fail to please you) one time."
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) December 29, 2013
I just heard from a knowledgeable Browns source that the reported Chud firing "is not a done deal."
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) December 29, 2013
Another Browns player: "This organization is a joke."
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) December 29, 2013
UPDATE (6:03 PM): Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, who has had good connections to the Browns, weighed in on the news:
Rob Chudzinski has not been fired, according to sources. Changes to the organization could be made early this week however...
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) December 29, 2013
If the Browns do part with Chudzinski after 1 year, Josh McDaniels would be a strong candidate. If Jim Schwartz is fired, he could be also
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) December 29, 2013
The plan for #Browns is for its brass to meet with Rob Chudzinski tomorrow morning to discuss some of the dissatisfaction.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 29, 2013
UPDATE (5:48 PM): This one seems pretty definitive: ESPN's Chris Mortensen tweeted that Rob Chudzinski is expected to be fired. A little earlier, Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk reported that Chudzinski is scheduled to meet with the front office Monday morning, where the news could be officially delivered.
Rob Chudzinski will be fired by the #Browns, per league sources.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) December 29, 2013
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ORIGINAL STORY:
Heading into today's season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers, questions about the job security for head coach Rob Chudzinski began arising. The rumors seemed to start with ESPN Cleveland's Tony Grossi:
There are some bad vibes indicating uncertainty about the future of #Browns HC Rob Chudzinski. Incredible.
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) December 29, 2013
A little bit later, though, Chris Mortensen from ESPN tweeted the following about the team's situation:
One place of turmoil (again) to monitor is Cleveland Browns, where there's some turmoil & unhappiness with how team folded 2nd half of year
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) December 29, 2013
The combinations of those rumors seemed to allow the flood gates to open on potential rumors that reporters across the NFL might have been holding back. Albert Breer from NFL Network came forward with a couple of more notes on the rumor:
Problems I've heard the Browns front office has with Chud: Players not being held accountable, and a lack of decisiveness in big moments.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 29, 2013
That's building off the report from @mortreport. Sounds like Browns' FO had been inclined to give Chud another year, but that could change.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 29, 2013
And if Browns were to make a change, Penn State's Bill O'Brien and Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels would likely top the list.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 29, 2013
On #Browns: Dissatisfaction with Rob Chudzinski from up high is real, from what I hear. Effort issues, accountability issues. One to watch
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 29, 2013
We'll see if the Browns shoot down the rumor after the game -- it would be a wise move for PR reasons if nothing is up. My personal take is that Chudzinski's job is safe, otherwise it would not look very good for team president Joe Banner.
Considering the connection that Jason La Canfora has reportedly had to Michael Lombardi in the past, is this a cryptic tweet about the Browns' coaching situation?
Browns deep into self destruct mode now
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) December 29, 2013