Calm Before the Storm?

By Brandon Rastok
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

A few weeks ago news was flying out of Cleveland with word that general manager George Kokinis had been fired.  Rumors swirled about who would replace him as the next GM and what this meant for head coach Eric Mangini.  Then came rumors of the Browns chasing Mike Holmgren, which were shortly following by rumors of the interest being mutual. 

Over the last two weeks, however, "silence" has been the word out of Cleveland.

This morning, Pro Football Talk is kicking up dust by stating they believe something big will happen shortly.  While they do not know what exactly is coming the Browns way, enough rumors have passed their way to know something is up. 

One item believed to be in the works is an official position for Bernie Kosar.  This can be a good thing for the Browns because it provides a local hero as one of the faces of the franchise.  Kosar has a football mind matched by very few and cares more about turning this franchise around than probably anyone currently involved.  The problem might be that he could be in over his head.  With his notorious business and personal bankruptcy failures, he may not be the wisest selection to be at the top of a franchise.  An offensive coordinator position would seem more appropriate.  PFT also states that many league sources believe that it would be a mistake to give Kosar the keys to the car.

Could the news also include a new GM/Football Czar? Big name candidates like Bill Parcells and Floyd Reese are already with clubs, so they could not be interviewed until after the season.  Holmgren, Charlie Casserly, Mike Shanahan, Ernie Arcorsi and Bill Cowher are available.  However, PFT also reports plenty of candidates have told the Browns, “Thanks, but no thanks.”  This means that many may view the Browns as a team similar to the Raiders with too much baggage or meddling to be able to be fixed.  This is not good news for Browns fans.

However, this may be brought upon by themselves.  The feeling is growing that Mangini will not return for a second season.  This further eliminates any stability in the organization.  A previous report from PFT states that the Browns have an interest in Charlie Weis and may have met with him last weekend.  Bringing in a strong offensive mind to run the offense and reuniting Brady Quinn with his old college coach seem like good things right? 

The kicker is Weis would only come aboard if Mangini is fired.  So, now the Browns are trying to hire an offensive coordinator before this season is over without having a coach or GM in place for next season.  Apparently, they have not heard of putting the cart before the horse.  By forcing an offensive coordinator and quarterback on a new coach or GM would only further eliminate the candidates actually interested in the team’s vacancies.

We as fans can only hope that if/when the Browns make some moves they are the correct moves and made in a logical order.  While I can only wager a guess, I could reasonably assume that if big news is in the works, Kosar might be named to a team president or an advisor-type position.  Then, if the news did include a big name GM hiring, I would guess that it would have to be Holmgren.  While this would probably be a very good move, it would still concern me that it would be Holmgren’s first time in such a role.  Instead of grabbing someone like Reese who has held this position for many years, it would mark yet another flier on a first timer.

So, stay tuned for hopefully a big announcement and step in the right direction.