Former Browns HC Mike Pettine Releases Statement

The Mike Pettine era proved to be short in Cleveland.

Owner Jimmy Haslam fired Pettine on Sunday evening, detailing the coach's failure to win during a press conference with the media.

Pettine spoke to the media after the game on Sunday, but did not reveal anything new or groundbreaking.

For the first time since receiving the axe, Pettine spoke today, releasing this statement from the media (courtesy of WKYC): Statement from Mike Pettine:

"I would like thank Dee and Jimmy Haslam for the opportunity they granted me to lead the Cleveland Browns as head coach for the past two seasons. Although I wish I could have brought more wins to the franchise for the passionate fans of this great city, I will have many fond memories to cherish from my time in Cleveland. I also want to thank all the players that I've been able to coach in my time here. I'm grateful for the effort they put forth, their willingness to take coaching and their overall dedication to the foundation we built. Additionally, it is very important for me to thank the coaching staff for all their hard work. I appreciate all the sacrifices that were made by their families while their husbands and fathers were enduring the long hours that are the norm for NFL coaches. Lastly and just as importantly, I want to thank the fans of the Cleveland Browns. I appreciated all the support, you deserve a winner and I wish that for you in the near future."

Pettine's statement reveals nothing further of the dysfunction, as Pettine took the high road.

Don't expect any further revelations from Pettine, as he likely signed a nondisclosure agreement. Violation of an NDA might invalidate the rest of the contract, meaning Pettine might lose out on some money. So it's unlikely Pettine tells any stories now that he's done in Cleveland.

Hopefully the Browns' coaching search goes better this time around.