In Holmgrenn we Trust, unless....

[Greythan]

In thinking about the fate of our current head coach, I'm feeling pretty good either way with one caveat. Here's my thinking.

I like Mangini. I'll admit it. I was lukewarm on the hiring, but listening to him and reading about him has made me warm up considerably. He actually seems confident yet humble and that's a mix I truly respect. Clearly, he has matured and has shown that he can motivate players (end of last year being the prime example).

Continuity. I think continuity in the executive ranks (Pres of Ops, GM, and HC) increases a team's chance to win. This is a legitimate factor that favors keeping the status quo.

Our proverbial ace in the hole here is Holmgren. All us fans can do is try and second guess how effective or ineffective the coaching has been. We gnash our teeth about game day decisions, depth chart decisions, etc. and yet none of us have a) the experience nor b) the line of sight to have an educated opinion.

Holmgren, however, has both. So, I have to rest my faith in him. If he decides to can Mangini at year end then I have to be confident it was the right decision for the organization. Unless... (and here's the caveat)...

.... he names himself head coach. For me, that's just too much of a conflict of interest to be viewed as a "pure" decision. It won't be the end of the world for me as I think Holmgren's a top tier coach. However, I will be holding my breath more than if he either keeps Mangini or if he decides to fire Mangini he hires someone other than himself.

[Crow]

He's too old and would likely leave sooner than later compared to a long tenure as president. I can't see him getting us a ring in a Parcells length tenure - we'd probably be contenders, flame out then he'd retire or go somewhere else.

[Legendary]

Don't forget he can't appoint himself unless he get blessing from his missus and Randy Lerner. I don't think it will happens, but I do think one coaching staff will be sacked at the end of season to bring in new offensive co-ordinator.

[Danamal]

The whole Idea of the Holmgren hiring was to build a system and form stability and help nurture an Identity for the franchise.
This is why I like the build from the top down approach and it has been sorely lacking since our return,in other words we suck, the GM and HC are gone,we suck the GM and HC are gone etc etc.
Now when you need to go in another direction you know what your looking for and you can hire a coach that fits who you are rather than the he seems like a good guy give him a contract and cross your fingers type of turnstyle BS we have faced since 99.
I was very surprised we kept Mangini last year but I would be very surprised if we let him go at the conclusion of this season,but if we do our system is in place so it's not a tear down rebuild thing and that I can live with.

[OconRecon]

I think the word on his desire to return to the sidelines is overblown. He's in his mid-60's and the NFL HC grind is worse than ever. He's a California guy in Cleveland. I'm betting he's more on the Parcells track. Buy low (when a team can't get much worse) and stay until there is significant improvement, then move on, probably back out west.

[Enigmatic Evil]

I don't like the idea of Holmgren returning to the sideline. He's clearly enjoying his presidential role with the Browns and I would prefer that if Mangini got the hook that Holmgren brought in a head coach who is more in alliance with what Holmgren is trying to build, obviously Daboll's offensive system is not working for Holmgren (for now, who knows if he keeps him around he could change his own fate) and if Mangini got the boot I would expect him to bring in a coach with a more offensive philosophy.

[Sez.EJ]

I think he's done coaching... But it does not mean Mangini is safe.. Mangini has not blown me away..but the guys play hard for him... is that enough?

[nickers]

I think If Mangini is canned...expect Jon Gruden to take over as HC of the Browns

[Sez.EJ]

He is one of many candidates...His name was tossed around a lot last year when we were trying to see if Mangini stayed or not. I am thinking he probably had the job if he wanted it last year so I'm not so sure. He could end up in Dallas, KC, or a few other places too.

[Jax Dawg]

Let me start out by saying I don't think Mangini gets canned but if Gruden was offered the job by Holmgren I think he would jump at the chance to coach the Cleveland Browns. He grew up a Browns fan in Ohio, went and played college football in Ohio (Dayton Flyers) and would probably relish being reunited in some way with Holmgren.

The last thing I want to see is Holmgren return to the sidelines, it would be too short sighted and end after no more than two disappointing seasons. He needs to continue doing what he is doing - overseeing the operation of the team.

[Sez.EJ]

Jax I agree completely that Holmgren coming to coach would be shortsighted and he would burn out fast.. If he really needs his coaching fix..he should just talk to Mangini and let him run a practice one day toward the end of the season.. get it out of his system then go back to being the Prez..

[Alo]

Holmgren will have a hard sell replacing Mangini with a guy like Marty Mornhinweg.

I think there's a good chance it will happen: Mornhinweg would fit the Parcells-Sparano model and could do a much better job developing McCoy than Daboll.