Mike Holmgren 'absolutely' has way to revive Cleveland Browns.

[TheBestPlayersPlay]

Mike Holmgren 'absolutely' has way to revive Cleveland Browns - USATODAY.com

By Jon Saraceno, USA TODAY
The "H-bomb" has landed, and that is good news for Cleveland Browns backers desperate to see the end of the football devastation that has haunted their city for decades.
New team president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert think they can detonate the recent past and construct a new future for the downtrodden franchise. Browns fans pray the partnership can re-energize and reorganize what has been a calamity.
Since re-entering the NFL in 1999, the Browns have endured fits and starts in the front office and the coaching staff. In 11 years, the franchise has employed six general managers and/or vice presidents of football operations, four team presidents and five head coaches.

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The lack of stability weakened them, as did the death of owner Al Lerner in 2002. His son, Randy, an Ivy League-educated lawyer, has been portrayed as being indifferent to owning an NFL team. (The billionaire declined to be interviewed for this story.)
"I think Randy gets a bit of a bum rap," Holmgren says. "His father was kind of larger than life, and the (Browns) were given to Randy overnight. Quite the contrary — he is interested. When he sat in my living room in Arizona (while courting Holmgren), he said, 'Maybe I want this too much for Cleveland, the fans and my family.'
"He really cares."
But the Browns have not reached the postseason since 2002 and have not won a playoff game since 1994. The franchise has not hung a championship banner since 1964.
Naturally, "Dawg Pounders" remain skeptical.
"That is our biggest issue right now," Heckert says. "They have heard all this (rebuilding talk) before. But I think they are willing to give us the benefit of the doubt. That is all we can ask for. Now we just have to prove on the field that we can win."
Holmgren and Heckert have experience at rebuilding franchises.
Holmgren was an NFL head coach for 17 seasons. He helped deliver the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks to Super Bowls after years of futility. The Packers won Super Bowl XXXI after the 1996 season and lost it the next year; the Seahawks fell in Super Bowl XL after the 2005 season.
He seems to have inherited another strong offensive line in Cleveland. Whether rookie Colt McCoy can be molded into a franchise quarterback the way Brett Favre and Matt Hasselbeck were is unknown. Holmgren seems optimistic regardless.
"I am going to attempt to use the same formula that we used in Green Bay to bring back the Pack and what we used in Seattle," says Holmgren, who was stripped of personnel responsibilities while with the Seahawks. "I don't think it's impossible. There are some very simple foundational things that need to take place. And (Lerner) — he is going to let me do it. … We should be able to fix it.
"Now, do you get to the Super Bowl? You need to be a little lucky and all that stuff. But can we get it so that (fans) are feeling better about their football team? Absolutely."
Heckert was the Philadelphia Eagles' director of player personnel beginning in 2001. Although coach Andy Reid had final say on players, the duo helped lead the Eagles to four consecutive NFC title games from 2001 to '04 plus a Super Bowl (loss after the '04 season). Heckert later was promoted to GM.
Whether the Browns' revised blueprint for restoring constancy and productivity includes the long-term retention of the head coach is another matter. During Eric Mangini's maiden campaign in 2009, the Browns stumbled to a 1-11 start.
Team chemistry deteriorated so quickly that, by October, Rolling Stone piled on with a story citing Mangini's unyielding toughness, though linebacker David Bowens told the magazine the coach's door always was open and, "It's not like it's a total dictatorship around here."
None of this is lost on Holmgren, who says he thinks Mangini is a good coach — and will get a chance to prove it."
Holmgren says it is possible he could one day return to the sideline. But he adds, "(The) odds become less and less the longer I'm here, if it takes awhile to fix this."
Mangini has been quite solicitous regarding his new boss, saying he thinks he has someone to lean on for advice and assistance.
"I can go (to Holmgren) and not have to explain the 'why' very deeply, because he gets it," Mangini says. "Tom's been good as well. They understand the type of player that I am looking for. That is something Mike and I talked about a lot before I knew if I was staying. We have stayed true to that approach."
Mangini's problem, particularly in the short term, is trying to assimilate players newly acquired through free agency and the draft with veterans — and trying to continue the momentum gained from last season's fast finish of four consecutive wins.
Clearly the Browns' priority in the offseason was to revamp the secondary, which was torched last season. Mangini and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan often were put in a position of calling for defensive schemes to try to mask the Browns' woeful coverage and tackling.
Heckert dealt for players with whom he was familiar in Philadelphia, Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown and linebacker Chris Gocong. Then the Browns made corner Joe Haden of Florida their first pick in the draft, later adding two safeties. In free agency, the Browns added veteran quarterback Jake Delhomme and linebacker Scott Fujita.
"I think we all want the same type of guys — smart, tough and physical," Heckert says. "We don't have to have the most talented guys, but they have to be tough and love football. Jake and Scott are going to add to the chemistry of the team. That's what Eric wants."
AROUND THE FIELD IN CLEVELAND
Quarterback: With the release of Derek Anderson and the trade of Brady Quinn to the Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers reject Jake Delhomme is the starter — provided he doesn't melt down as he did last season, prompting "Dump Jake in the Lake" detractors. The former Super Bowl quarterback will mentor rookie Colt McCoy after the Browns failed to tempt the St. Louis Rams for the No. 1 overall pick and Sam Bradford. New Browns president Mike Holmgren also has brought in Seneca Wallace, whom he drafted for the Seattle Seahawks.
Running back: Jerome Harrison stepped up at the end of last season, running for 561 yards over the final three games. But he has produced 1,310 yards over four seasons. Cleveland traded up to draft inside power runner Montario Hardesty in Round 2. Newly acquired fullback Peyton Hillis is not a traditional thumper, but coach Eric Mangini loves his versatility in catching the ball and playing special teams.
Wide receiver: This position continues to be a glaring weakness. Mohamed Massaquoi is a likely starter, but after that, who knows? Brian Robiskie, Chansi Stuckey, Joshua Cribbs and Jake Allen are in a mix that could eventually include a veteran free agent. Rookie Carlton Mitchell has size and speed but is very raw.
Tight end: The Browns upgraded with the signing of Ben Watson, who had several productive seasons with the New England Patriots. Evan Moore and Robert Royal remain on hand.
Offensive line: This crew is anchored by Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas and second-year center Alex Mack, whose smarts and work ethic enabled him to displace Hank Fraley last season. Left guard Eric Steinbach is solid. On the right side, Floyd Womack, Tony Pashos and third-round pick Shawn Lauvao will battle for time.
Defensive line: The aging defensive front features Shaun Rogers, Kenyon Coleman and Robaire Smith. But can they hold up? Compounding the problem is a felony charge against Rogers, an imposing nose tackle, on allegations he carried a concealed weapon in an airport, leaving his status uncertain.
Linebacker: This is the focus of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's 3-4 scheme, particularly along the edges. The Browns are loaded with newcomers Scott Fujita and Chris Gocong and returnees David Bowens, who can play inside and out, and versatile pass rusher Matt Roth, a restricted free agent who has yet to sign his tender. They also have bruising inside 'backer D'Qwell Jackson, who is unhappy with his contract status. Vying for snaps are Eric Barton, David Veikune and Marcus Benard.
Secondary: General manager Tom Heckert, who had the same role with the Philadelphia Eagles, added a familiar face when he traded for former Eagles cornerback Sheldon Brown. This area was also the focus in the draft. Cleveland added youth, toughness and hitting with top pick Joe Haden plus two safeties — T.J. Ward and Larry Asante.
Special teams: The brightest beacon is Pro Bowl returner Cribbs, who signed a new contract after a contentious debate. He is every NFL team's nightmare to defend with a record eight career kickoff returns for scores. He also leads effective coverage units.
Coaching staff: Tick, tock — Mangini is on the clock. Unless he can show sustained improvement, Holmgren might show the coach he inherited the door. Ryan can be a difference maker as an aggressive play caller.
Outlook: Since returning to the NFL in 1999, this franchise has mostly stumbled about with poor decisions made at the top regarding players and coaches. But the hiring of Holmgren and Heckert is a strong indication ownership is serious about restoring pride and tradition. Strides were made in the offseason, but Holmgren tempers 2010 expectations: "You can't fix everything in one year."

[Riffer X]

Great stuff. I've always said Randy cares, he has just made some porous decisions because he trusted people too much and didn't get a bonafide guy in charge. Neither did Al, for that matter. There is no guarantee these guys will pan out either, it's possible we get swamped by injuries again and all that other bad luck that has plagued us.

The bottom line is there is a solid direction with a plan right now for the first time in a long, long time. We have a no nonsense coach who knows the game, has instilled discipline and can now just concentrate on coaching while the big wigs work alongside him and do their jobs in an ancillary manner.

I am guilty of believing before, but these guys are as close to the real deal as we can get so screw being skeptical, I choose to have faith.

[King of Kings]

Excellent, excellent article.

We're turning the corner with this regime`, all one has to do is stand back and look at it. The key part of that article, IMO is: "New team president Mike Holmgren and general manager Tom Heckert think they can detonate the recent past and construct a new future for the downtrodden franchise." Let's be real here, that's what has needed to be done for years. HAD to be done. We as fans sometimes forget that, or just don't or didn't want to face that reality. The same goes for Randy, which is why I even mention it.

It seems like Randy didn't want to believe that the entire Organization needed blown up and rebuilt. Not just a roster, this whole damn thing. I think he understands it now, well I think he finally started getting it during last season. The great thing is this team IS doing it. We're blowing the whole thing up from the top down. Even the I.T. department hasn't been safe from it. I wouldn't be surprised if Holmgren has even hired new janitors.

I'm positive about it, i'm buying in. We're not talking personal gophers or coffee fetchers. Mike Holmgren wasn't fetching Mike Holmgren coffee in Green Bay and Seattle. Tom Heckert wasn't copying P.R. reports and fetching coffee for Andy Reid. Anyone with any knowledge of the situation has stated Heckert ran Reids drafts for him and took care of many of the GM duties. You've got a guy with a system for turning franchises around that's worked and a handpicked GM from one of the top franchises in the last decade. It makes no sense NOT to trust them right now. None. Shit, Heckerts bringing over his personnel people from the Eagles. The same Eagles who consistently draft well. That's reason enough for me to buy in.

No without fears, though. I'll admit it I have fears. My fear is Randy gets impatient when that 3 year window starts closing and does something stupid like replacing them. Perhaps it's unfounded. But that's what kinda scares me, even though I have zero doubts in my mind by year three we'll have turned the corner and be a winning franchise again.

[Riffer X]

The Browns could give me 60K a year and I would fetch Walrus' coffee and Mangie's donuts.

Then I could go work for the Lions.

[OzDawg]

above two posts. I agree.
the "regime" is rebuilding. Nope you won't be in the superbrawl this year. Nope you might not even contend. Nope , you probably won't land HUGE impact players day 1.

point is , and I think anyone that has followed the browns for years is, that they ARE making strides. ( good strides too)

building requires foundation, which despite the negativity, mangini tried to install by bringing on guys with the correct mindset to win at a "TEAM" game.

now, you add holmgren, heckert, and give daboll and ryan another year, could be very solid.

I can see the "we want to win now" attitude. but in reality without planning and direction that would be short lived at best .

I'm for recreating that dynasty that ruled football for like 10 straight years.

and yep I think the peices are bein laid... be back gotta get more koolaid

[hiwaygal]

Yeah, I've bought whatever they're selling. Again.

My biggest fear is there are so many nay-sayers...and they can be quite loud and obnoxious. If any part of this team flounders, they will be calling for heads. And the whole process will have to start all over again. Many of our fan base have lost their patience (and I can understand that, too).

[Flugel]

Originally Posted by hiwaygal

Yeah, I've bought whatever they're selling. Again.

My biggest fear is there are so many nay-sayers...and they can be quite loud and obnoxious. If any part of this team flounders, they will be calling for heads.

LOL! I hear ya Hiwaygal! Part of our fanbase already cut Colt McCoy for 2 errant throws in May. That's why Holmgren is the one getting well paid for his football opinions while sour grapes elsewhere ferment into whines and wines.
- Tom F.

[Vegasdogg]

I have no problem reconstructing the team for what seems like the 5th-6th time since 1999. I just want competance right now. Piss poor QB play is no way to legitimately evaluate a WR corps (many have said we have the worst WR set in the league - having the 32nd ranked passer doesn't help.)

Media on the outside can't know everything. They only go on what they've seen lately. Adam Schein has stated he is 100% certain Mangini is gone in 2011. Well he said the same thing once Holmgren got here. Mike Lombardi said the same thing. I'm not married to Eric nor am I placing a ton of expectations that he'll make the playoffs this season.

Holmgren is giving Mangini a lot of what he has asked for, saying all the supportive comments a former coach says to a current coach, and placed a structure in place that supports Eric. It isn't lip service because these are what the HC has asked for and received.

The "cockpit" for a HC is in place and the opportunity is there for success. So now the ball is in Eric's court and the role he plays in his existence in 2011 rests nowhere but on his shoulders. He is only a coach now, not fielding calls from GM's or DPP's.

So yes Mike has a foundation in place - it's very early but promising - but Eric (I'm pulling for him obviously) needs to do more this season with what he's been given than ever before. It will be a credit to ALL of them - Mike Tom and Eric - if they can get to 8-8 or 9-7. I'm not sure 6-10 or 7-9 gets it done. We'll see how it plays out.

But strictly speaking I'm not sure Mike could be doing anything different and in fact he's done a lot more than I'd expect. It takes large brass balls to hand over meaningful decisions to Mangini and let him choose the direction of the team, all the while supporting Eric by getting him what he wants. Sink or swim Tom and Mike clank when they walk.

Also, it's not like getting solid, physcal, football-loving players makes it harder for the next HC if it comes to replacing him, so why not get Eric what he asks for?

[mz.]

Originally Posted by Flugel

LOL! I hear ya Hiwaygal! Part of our fanbase already cut Colt McCoy for 2 errant throws in May. That's why Holmgren is the one getting well paid for his football opinions while sour grapes elsewhere ferment into whines and wines.
- Tom F.

That isn't a fair characterization of naysayers.

We (I'm assuming y'all think I'm one) are not calling for Colt's head after two errant OTA tosses. Nor are we calling for Mangini's (or anyone else's for that matter). We're merely voicing things we are concerned about.

I hate how voicing concerns WE find legitimate and are coming from a place of fandom, not trolling, get all twisted up.

[King of Kings]

I only see two possible ways Eric is no longer coaching here in 2011.

1: A can't miss HC becomes available. But who? The only one I could see Holmgren replacing Mangini on that basis for would be Andy Reid. But Reid just signed an extension so unless he has a bad season with Kolb and the Iggles make a stupid choice by replacing him that ones unlikely. Or if Tony Dungy gains some revelation through prayer he needs to return to the NFL, also unlikely. Who else is there? The top candidates appear to be Jon Gruden, John Fox, Marvin Lewis and possibly Tom Coughlin. That isn't horrible, but not exactly great or fire your current guy to go out and get level of great. Not to mention I don't know that Holmgren would go that route anyways, those are all 4-3 guys and completely overhauling the defense would set the win now mentality back.

2: Mangini tanks it so horribly we win one or two games. Now if that were to happen then yes, it would be possible we move on. I can't see that happening though. I disagree that 7-9 might not be enough. With out schedule if Eric takes us to 7-9 I think he is safe the following year. It's a tough schedule, so 7-9 equals a fairly large improvement over 5-11, even though on paper it doesn't LOOK impressive.

Originally Posted by Vegasdogg

Also, it's not like getting solid, physcal, football-loving players makes it harder for the next HC if it comes to replacing him, so why not get Eric what he asks for?

Indeed. As can be seen in the Mangenious thread, I like Eric alot. He got the turnaround started last year and if you get him talent he can win. If NY would've kept him and gave him the additions given to Ryan I have little doubt he would've taken NY as far as Ryan did. None. But I get it, in the current NFL your coaching gig is only good season to season. That said, in the hypothetical down the road we bring in a new HC, the new guy will be walking into a good situation. Most if not all head coaches would love to take over a team filled with solid, football loving players dripping with high character, highly disciplined and fundamentally sound.

Shit who wouldn't be drooling over that? That's a dream situation for head coaches. You mean I get to walk into this team with a motivated disciplined core already in place that just needs a handful of upgrades to be highly competitive? Where do I sign?

[Vegasdogg]

Originally Posted by mz.

I hate how voicing concerns WE find legitimate and are coming from a place of fandom, not trolling, get all twisted up.

It is possible the delivery needs work. It is possible the same points are being made over and over, and refuted over and over.

.


...... and we're all fucking sick of Celtics/Lakers and playoff Hockey and want some Browns.

[hiwaygal]

Originally Posted by King of Kings

I only see two possible ways Eric is no longer coaching here in 2011.

1: A can't miss HC becomes available. But who?

Not sure he'd be considered "can't miss" but if for some reason Eric is shown the door next season, my money is on Rob Ryan if MH is determined to stay off the sidelines.

I'm concerned Ryan will leave the first chance he gets to be HC (of anyone except the raidahs).