To start, Cleveland hasn't had a football mind like yours in its organization since Paul Brown. Few people in the history of the NFL can boast a resume as deep as yours. You've been to Super Bowls, discovered talent that would eventually become among the league's elite, developed head and assistant coaches, most of whom have gone on to be successful in the NFL, and you've even had some success in the administrative side of football. All that considered, I found your comments regarding your "itch to coach" to be selfish and ill-timed.
The last few weeks have been some of the most exciting in Browns football since the team returned in 1999. Beating two teams of the Saints and Patriots caliber isn't a fluke at all. A lot of people deserve credit, from the players, to the coaches, GM Tom Heckertt, even yourself and Randy Lerner. This week's game with the Jets has people excited, really excited. And it's only Monday. From a fan's perspective, it feels like things are finally headed in the right direction.
I can honestly say I wasn't surprised when I read your comments. When it was reported that you would be coming to Cleveland, I think the general consensus was that it would only be a matter of time before you would come down from the press box and coach this team. Last year, when the team was 1-11, we all felt that Eric Mangini was in way over his head. He had too much responsibility. He needed structure, to be controlled. In our mind, it was only a matter of time before he would be fired. He was swinging the big stick and cleaning the country club atmosphere up that Coach Crennel had left behind. There were some glimpses of progress, but none that showed up in the win column. The clock was ticking on Coach Mangini.
Then something strange happened. The Browns won 4 games in a row. Then Mike Holmgren was coming to town. Tom Heckertt wasn't far behind. Things were looking up from an executive standpoint. You did your due diligence, said all the right things in the press conferences, and you were going to talk to Eric Mangini himself. Certainly you would convince him that he needed to keep the focus on the X's and O's, while softening his personality a bit. We signed a few vets, had a good draft (thanks to everyone involved), and pulled off the Peyton Hillis trade. Even Coach Mangini seemed a little more relaxed, cracking jokes at his weekly press conferences.
The new season started rough. 1-5, top two quarterbacks hurt, a secondary that looked like Mayfield High School's, and the rookie Colt McCoy starting. We hadn't been blown out in any game, and certainly the record was deceiving. We could have easily been 3-3 or 4-2. Now, we had a stretch of games against the Saints, Patriots, and Jets. 1-8 was staring us in the face, and Mangini looked like a goner. As you know, we would win the next two games, and suddenly, people are talking playoffs. Crazy. I guess that's why they play the games.
Look, the Cleveland Browns organization is on to something here. For the first time in a long time, we the fans feel like everyone is in their right spot, including YOU. Listen, the prospect of you coaching this team is exciting, just not now. Not ever. Coaching is a grind. Long days, longer nights, and you have to have the energy. You had that energy once. At this stage of your career, your mind is your greatest asset. You are in a position to mentor Coach Mangini, much like you already have. We notice the differences!
Despite the record, this team is playing the most disciplined football since its return to the NFL. Fewer penalties and mental mistakes. Some creative play calling, and the coaching staff has passion! Rob Ryan is great. You have to admit, Coach Mangini has these player's attention and they're buying in. Since starting 1-11, we've gone 7-5. We've done this while using 5 different quarterbacks. That's a recipe for disaster for any team, but we've been winning. Now it looks like we've got our QB. We currently have the toughest schedule to this point in the NFL. Our opponents have .651 winning percentage. Coach is doing a good job.
In closing, a coaching change at this point would really set the franchise back. We need stability. This fan base has waited too long for this team to be relevant again. We're competing. Look at the progress through the first season and a half under Coach. It's a 3 year turnaround. Year one, clear out the riff raft and "me" first guys and start remaking the roster. Year two, start to compete and win some games you aren't supposed to. Year three, win more than you lose. The team is growing, and Cleveland is proud of everyone's efforts. We need to stay the course, and be comfortable in our roles.
Regards-
Tom Rudar (Lifelong Browns fan)
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