Browns Banter: Mangini to Bring Belichickian Level of Secrecy to Berea – And Hopefully Wins Too

January 26, 2009 By 4 Comments

Browns Banter - Eric Mangini Wants to Control InformationWow! What a surprise!

You mean, George Kokinis will be the Browns general manager!?

I think it is safe to say that the Eric Mangini Era will be a bit Belichick-esque in keeping secrets from the local media.

Although Cleveland sportswriters and radio sportstalk jocks reported a couple of weeks ago that Kokinis was the man, and then predicted a formal announcement would come after Baltimore was knocked out of the play-offs last week, the Browns organization (which consists of absentee owner Randy Lerner and Top Man in Berea Eric Mangini) — refused to confirm.

On Friday Mangini was slated to be interviewed by WKNR AM-850 Sports Director Mark Bishop. But Mangini’s people called the station to beg off, stating that on Monday Coach Mangini would have more to say.

But in a move that seemed to thumb its nose at the Cleveland sports media, Cleveland Browns fans read about the Kokinis hire on the crawler lines flashing across the bottom of the television screen on ESPN’s NFL show.

The formal announcement is expected Monday, but the fact that the news was leaked nationally first appears to be a statement to the local media from Mangini: “Don’t ask. I will tell you guys something on a need to know basis. When I am good and ready.”

In the meantime, The Cleveland Plain Dealer’s Terry Pluto has said Cleveland Browns fans are begging them for news of the new regime.

So far, it seems as if Mangini, like Belichick, wants to control the information.

As a reporter trying to do his job, I am angry at the slap in the face. But as a Browns fan, I really don’t care what Mangini and Kokinis do behind closed doors and in closed practice sessions — as long as the Browns win — a lot.

Last year, thousands of Browns fans went to open practices at the Berea facility. Vendors set up shop on the far side of the field, selling Slushies and ice cream, Browns shirts and parphernalia. There was even a bleacher section set up along the sidelines to watch the first and second teams practice to classic rock music piped out from the locker room.Browns Banter - Mangini, Kokinis Lead New Browns Regime

Fans got to see the players in shorts doing simple pass, catch, run drills without any tackling. Afterward, kids and some adults lined up for autographs.

Six weeks later, the Browns would start the season after a 0-4 pre-season record and quarterback Derek Anderson recovering from a concussion.

The Browns 4-12 season, without an offensive touchdown in the final six games, made more than a few fans wonder if the team should have been a tad more prepared, perhaps practiced harder for the debacle that was the 2008 season.

Former Head Coach Romeo Crennel was always polite to the press, dignified and honest in his comments and always had his players’ backs.

As far as I’m concerned Mangini can be the biggest a–hole ever to the media, could be a despised prick to his players.

As long as the Browns are contenders in 2009.

Those of us living in Brownstown are not desperate for information and availablility.

We are desperate for wins.

Go, Browns!

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Filed Under: CFB, Featured Column, NFL Tagged With: Cleveland Browns, eric mangini, NFL

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  • http://www.jetsdaily.com Mackenzie

    You bet things will be secret. Here are a few examples from his Jets career.

    *We didn’t know who would start at quarterback in the 2nd game of 2007 until we actually saw Kellen Clemens take the field with the starting offense.

    *We still never found out what exactly Jonathan Vilma’s injury in 2007 was.”

    *Don’t expect much information about injuries or anything. Prepare for coachspeak.”

    I had no problem with Mangini in New York. Once he got comfortable with the media, he was actually a pretty funny guy. But communication was always a problem with the Jets. In fact lack of communication and outward emotion was his downfall, along with the late collapse.

  • http://www.midwestsportsfans.com JRod

    @Mackenzie, this was one of my primary reservations when Mangini was named coach. I realize that the Browns had a ridiculous amount of PR snafus last season, and there is at least a small strategic advantage to playing things close to the vest, but Mangini will just have to be careful for his own sake. Being like Belichick only works when you win, and win consistently. If Mangini struggles in Cleveland, the media will most certainly not give him the benefit of the doubt — and fans will remember him painting over the HOF mural and any other similar acts. If he wins, of course, he could probably commit murder and still be revered in Cleveland.

    Cleveland is desperate for a winner and will probably put up with anything if the team is winning. Mangini’s disposition and aloof nature, however, could get him into trouble quickly if the fans and media don’t see significant progress.

  • Midnight Writer

    MacKenzie,

    After going through Belichick, Mangini almost seems semi-personable. Rumor had it that the first thing Belichick said to his first team, the Browns: “I don’t want anyone f…ing things up for me.”

    The QB thing is driving me nuts! This is the second year in a row I’ve waited for Brady Quinn to start the season. If Mangini doesn’t get rid of Derek Anderson and there is another ridiculous QB competition, the Browns will be going backwards.

    Was Brett Favre the reason the Jets collapsed at the end? I heard that Mangini put the reins on Brett, but that Favre soon had his way and the players behind him (Brett).

    And Jrod,

    Yes, murder would never stand in the way of Mangini or any head coach from turning the Browns into a winning team.

    I mean, what Cleveland cop would arrest him? What prosecutor would file charges? What grand jury would indict him?

    There would have to be a change of venue to another city — like Piss-burgh, perhaps.