Mangini tears down Browns' history
Associated Press photo
Former Jets coach Eric Mangini made a big deal about the Browns’ tradition when he got the job as the Cleveland head coach.
But one of the first things he did in an attempt to change the culture around the team’s training complex was to tear down a huge mural of the team’s Hall of Famers, a list that includes Jim Brown, Otto Graham, Paul Brown, Dante Lavelli, Marion Motley, Lou Groza, and Leroy Kelly. The mural was located by the player’s entrance to the practice facility in Berea, Ohio. That wall is now painted white.
Way to go, Eric.
Way to wipe out another reminder of the only things that were great about the franchise, which has been moribund since returning to Cleveland in 1999, four years after Art Modell high-tailed it out of there to Baltimore.
Mangini may be attempting to change the culture of losing in Cleveland - and chances are he'll put something up on the walls that he believes is more meaningful than the greatest players and coach in team history. But he’s going about it much the same as his mentor, Bill Belichick, did during his ill-fated stay in Cleveland in the 1990s. Belichick alienated many former players – with the notable exception of Jim Brown – and was one of the most detested figures in Cleveland.
The difference: Belichick learned from his mistakes, and went on to become a Hall of Fame coach in New England.
Needless to say, we don’t see the same greatness ahead for Mangini.
Akron Beacon-Journal columnist Pat McManamon has a few more knocks at the new administration. Among other things, McM details how Mangini has prevented some Browns' assistants he has no intention of keeping from interviewing with other clubs, simply because they're still under contract.
Great start, Eric.
UPDATE: Wow, a Deadspin shoutout, courtesy of a Bob Mantz shoutout. My day is complete. Take that, Best!
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Comments (22)
Next up: Mangini tears down Brown's future.
If he puts up a giant mural of Obama all is forgiven. After all, how many cities need hope, change and a messiah more than Bolandville?
obama is no messiah hes just some fool all of you love
Your right, Horrible idea Mangini. I mean having those picks up has truly helped the team since 99. Definitely shouldn't try something new.
Your right, Horrible idea Mangini. I mean having those picks up has truly helped the team since 99. Definitely shouldn't try something new.
If memory serves, nobody gave Bill Belichick a chance in New England either.
As a lifelong Browns fan, I don't care what the hell is painted on the walls. As long as this team becomes respectable, I'll be happy. Yes, I am aiming low. Has the Lerner family given me another reason to think otherwise?
I have been a browns fan for 30 yrs. I am 35 yrs old. And this is absolutly
the worst run organization in the NFL. It does all start at the top.
Most all solid teams have solid football ownership. Randy Lerner may be trying hard
but is failing miserably. Why Mangini? Why so quick? Nine days after the season
with boatloads of canidates out there.
I have never been more discouraged as a Cleveland Browns fan.
Its so discouraging, but to be honest with you I'm suprised
that upper managment didn't:
A. Hire Matt Millen as a head coach
B. Bring Ryan Leaf out of retirement and start him right away
C. Trade Quinn, Anderson and Joshua Cribbs for a 39 year old
punter....who is injured.
You know what's embarrassing?
2008 4-12
2007 10-6
2005 6-10
2004 4-12
2003 5-11
2002 9-7
2001 7-9
2000 3-13
1999 2-14
1 playoff appearance, 0 wins. How dare Mangini change the approach of such a proud, successful franchise!
So does this Blogger know for sure the directive to paint over the mural came from Mangini? Perhaps the mural was faded and depressing and needed updating? We know nothing but the continued crap slinging of Cleveland sports press. Awesome job guys! You're right, this is exactly what we were looking for, reasons to completely check out from the Browns before the new admin even has chance to open a box of pens or get some paper in the fax machine.
Oh and McM has it (from some disgruntled former staff) that Mangini is horrible human being. Not actual names with actual accounts but some very compelling rumors and bitterness of guys that happen to have McM's ear.
I'm sure the one side is really all you need in journalism anymore. WELL DONE CLEVELAND SPORTS GUYS!!!!!
So does this Blogger know for sure the directive to paint over the mural came from Mangini? Perhaps the mural was faded and depressing and needed updating? We know nothing but the continued crap slinging of Cleveland sports press. Awesome job guys! You're right, this is exactly what we were looking for, reasons to completely check out from the Browns before the new admin even has chance to open a box of pens or get some paper in the fax machine.
Oh and McM has it (from some disgruntled former staff) that Mangini is horrible human being. Not actual names with actual accounts but some very compelling rumors and bitterness of guys that happen to have McM's ear.
I'm sure the one side is really all you need in journalism anymore. WELL DONE CLEVELAND SPORTS GUYS!!!!!
Are you guys really surprise that Eric Mangini is an a** and a jer*? To say it in a good way he has no "people skills", but to say it in an honest way he is a insecured egomaniac that thinks he's better than most people in the NFL (without actually accomplishing anything.)
Bill Belichick was horrible at Cleveland, but he learned and became successful. It looks like Mangini has learned nothing from the Jets and probably thinks he's a victim and has been wronged by NY media and the fans.
LOL, the Browns, after the Mangini years the fans would be begging for the owner to take this bunch away from Cleveland and start over again.
you guys are a bunch of chumps, sorry I mean bengal lovers you
need to believe or leave if you are not a true browns fan than go to pittsburgh.
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