Cleveland Browns Analysis: The View From Outside The Pound

In my objective analysis of the Cleveland Browns, I decided to start at the top. In doing so, we may gain some insight into the process that will bring the Browns back to a position of prominence in the NFL.

Mike Holmgren, Team President

This process, for me, began with the hiring of Mike Holmgren as the team’s president on Dec. 12, 2009. It was a pleasant surprise. Mike Holmgren’s pedigree is undeniably among the most respected in the league. A pedigree that traces it’s origins to the legendary Sid Gillman, by way of George Seifert, and Bill Walsh.

I initially thought that Holmgren, who was an NBC Super Bowl Analyst turned team president was reminiscent of none other than TV Analyst Matt Millen, the pilloried former president and GM of the Detroit Lions. We all know how that turned out.

In 1999, Holmgren was named Executive VP, General Manager, and Head Coach of the Seahawks after a stellar Head Coaching career with Green Bay.

In 2002, Holmgren fired himself as GM for the Seahawks. I remember him chuckling in an ESPN interview that he wasn’t sure if that was a first for the NFL, or not.

Holmgren, the new Browns president, wasted little time. To the surprise of many, Holmgren retained Head Coach Eric Mangini and the entire coaching staff. Now this should not be perceived as a “Vote of confidence”, nor, does it imply that Holmgren is shopping for a new coaching staff. The coaching staff will merely be retained through the 2010 season.

It is merely a reflection of Mike Holmgren’s style. Patience.

On Feb. 11, 2009, Holmgren hired Tom Heckert as the Browns' GM. At Heckert’s interview with Holmgren, Eric Mangini just happened to be on hand. One can only assume that some very clear lines of communication were laid out. 

I'd bet that the Head Coach, and GM had a clear understanding of what was going to be expected of them by Holmgren.

It is widely speculated that Mike Holmgren will be a “Hands on” president. The jury is still out. Holmgren has said that GM Tom Heckert will have the final say in all personnel decisions, including the draft.

Examining the Browns' drafts during the Holmgren regime, it would appear that no obvious conclusion can be made until you look closely at the late round picks. This is where Heckert has a solid reputation for finding gems.

In my next installment, I will analyze GM Tom Heckert, and how his history will influence the direction of the Cleveland Browns.

　

Mike Sudds is the Browns correspondent at DraftTek.com, and a contributor at Bleacher Report.