The Cleveland Browns have fired head coach Eric Mangini after two seasons according to multiple sources. Mangini was 10-22 during his time with the Browns and after yesterday's 41-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers the writing was on the wall.
The Browns improved in several statistical areas in 2010, but went 2-6 following surprising upsets over the New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots. They were unable to sustain the momentum, dropping their last four games, including three losses to division opponents.
"This decision was not easy for me, and it was one into which I put a great deal of thought," said Browns President Mike Holmgren in a statement. "Although we have made improvements this season, my responsibility is to ensure that we establish a program that will allow this team to compete at a championship level. That will continue to be our goal in everything we do."
The Browns went just 2-10 in the AFC North under Mangini, though being dominated by the Ravens and Steelers has been common place for the Browns since returning in 1999.
"I have a deep respect for the players that I have coached the past two years and how they have made a profound difference in changing the culture - a tougher, smarter, more competitive, selfless team that never gave up," Mangini said in a statement. "Our goal was to build a team for long term success. The core characteristics we were dedicated to, I believe, will help achieve that goal, and have provided a strong identity for this football team and have helped to create a positive foundation upon which the organization can continue to build."
The question now becomes who will replace Mangini? Mike Holmgren supposedly has the 'itch' to coach again, but he has tried to wear multiple hats in the past - in Seattle - and it didn't go well. One name to keep an eye on is Jon Gruden, an Ohio guy with ties to Holmgren from their days in Green Bay.