Eric Mangini Deemed Right Man For The Job, Retained By Browns

NFL News - January 8th, 2010 - Written by John

After only winning one of the first 12 games of his first season with the Cleveland Browns, head coach Eric Mangini managed his team well reeled off four-straight victories to close the regular season. The effort was apparently enough to secure his job for the 2010 NFL season.

Newly hired Team President Mike Holmgren met with Mangini this week and decided to retain the coach, making the announcement official on Thursday. Along with Mangini, the rest of the Browns' coaching staff will return for another run.

"I was able to gain some tremendous insight into his thought process and philosophies, and came away from our meetings very impressed," Holmgren told the AP. "In my opinion, Eric has gained the respect and admiration of players, coaches and others in the organization, and with him continuing to lead the team I feel that we are headed in the right direction. Working together, our goal is to build on the strong tradition of this franchise and help get the Browns back to the playoffs."

It was reported that Holmgren was shopping for a new head coach to replace Mangini, but the recent success of the team was too much to ignore. The team will not be looking for their fifth head coach since 1999.

"I want to thank Mike for the opportunity to not only meet with him and share my thoughts and vision on what it takes to lead a team, but also to continue what we started here," Mangini said to the AP. "I believe we made some real, tangible progress throughout the course of the season, culminating with wins in our final four games. I feel as though the culture and mindset that we established this year have laid the foundation for success in 2010 and beyond, and I'm looking forward to working with Mike and a general manager in making this happen."

Despite the difference in football schematics between the two men, Holmgren decided that Mangini is the right man to lead Cleveland on the path towards the NFL Playoffs and eventually championships.

Holmgren's next task is to hire a new general manager. Since being hiring, Holmgren has been conducting interviews on his own to find the right man.

Mangini will have to handle Pro Bowler Josh Cribbs and his displeasure with the Browns organization. Cribbs cleaned out his locker last week and said he doubts he will be in a Browns uniform next season. The loss of Cribbs would not help out Mangini as he embarks on his second season as head coach.

Currently, some sportsbooks are taking NFL Future Bets on the Cleveland Browns total wins next season. Courtesy of Bodog Sportsbook, the current total is set at 5 wins. Either side pays winning bettors -115.