Eric Mangini Is Still Browns Head Coach...Maybe

The ball is in Eric Mangini’s court as to whether or not he will remain the Cleveland Browns head coach in 2010.

New President of Football Operations Mike Holmgren said he spoke briefly with Mangini this afternoon before setting up a meeting for Wednesday.

At an afternoon press conference Tuesday, Holmgren said he gave Mangini a list of things to think about for “The Meeting.”

At this point, it appears Holmgren is open to keeping Mangini, because why have a meeting with a head coach to talk about football if you’re just going to fire him. Seems like a complete waste of time, and Holmgren noted he doesn’t like to waste time.

As for the current state of the team, and Mangini’s performance, Holmgren was very forthcoming.

“They won four games in a row, that’s pretty good,” said Holmgren. “The team finished strong, they did. There is a lot more as to how this plays out. I’m not going to micro-manage, I’m going to hire good people. I’m going to take an active role in everything.”

When asked if he’s put lists together for potential coaching candidates, Holmgren jokingly said he has lists for everything, but the most important quote to come out of that exchange was: “If change is necessary, change will take place.”

Continuing to address the Browns' late season improvement, Holmgren said, “Over the course of a season, a young team can improve. You can see growth, you can see development.”

Referring to his time in Seattle, Holmgren noted Matt Hasselback’s first year was rough, but ended with three straight victories against playoff teams.

“That was the springboard for what happened in the future,” he said. “We were having a lousy season, the team was way better at the end of the year than it was at the beginning of the year.”

As for coaching philosophies, West Coast Offense and defensive schemes, Holmgren noted coaching trees were irrelevant.

“All that matters in the organization is success.”

Holmgren repeatedly stressed he was not going to do more than his front office duties, but added he hadn’t figured out the power structure for the draft room as of yet.

“Little Kingdoms in these organizations are not healthy,” he said.

That quote is telling as power struggles ultimately are what sunk the Browns in 2009.

Holmgren also confirmed he will be interviewing Tom Heckert, the Eagles general manager, for the Browns GM position. Holmgren confirmed there are other candidates for the GM job, but declined to name any names at this time.

As for the Joshua Cribbs contract situation, Holmgren sounded hopeful. “I want Josh here,” he said, acknowledging the three years remaining on Cribbs’ contract as being unusual.

“A player should get what he deserves, and he’s been a fine player.”

What people should take out of this press conference is Holmgren is not doing anything hastily, which is the most refreshing bit of news any Browns fan could hear.

The problem with the Cleveland Browns under owner Randy Lerner is he always made hasty decisions, refused to think anything through, and then always seemed surprised the situation blew up in his face and he had to start over.

Holmgren seemed determined not to fall into the trap of making hasty decisions while showing understanding that his role has changed in the process of bringing a Super Bowl Championship to Cleveland.

“I have to re-arrange how I think about the team,” he said. “You go in and take a program that’s been down a little bit...and you want to build it up.”

If Mangini can work with Holmgren, the Browns can go far. Mangini can coach a team, that much is obvious given his time in New York and the last month in Cleveland.

Now it’s up to Holmgren to put all the pieces together.