Another One Bites The Dust

Browns Fans, coming off of another drubbing at the hands of the hated Pittspuke Steelers, we are now searching for our 5th permanent head coach since our rebirth in 1999.

Really, there is nothing more to say about the game more than the Steelers took the Browns behind the woodshed and beat the complete tar out of us. We were outclassed in every facet of the game, starting with Colt McCoy's deflected interception on the game's second play from scrimmage and ending with the Browns trying to put up one last TD calling their timeouts inside of two minute at the end of the game. I need not list the actual plays Pittsburgh executed because for one, there are too many of them, and two, I don't want to give their fans any more satisfaction than I'm already bestowing.

Mangini's team prided themselves on always playing hard, competitive football. The Browns played 12 games in which the final outcome was 10 points or less. Granted, the Browns went 3-9 in said games, but they had not been blown out into an oblivion until the Black and Gold came into town. Alas, another 5-11 season resulted and this time it wasn't enough.

5-11 coming off of four straight losses is a complete 180 from the same record as a result of four straight wins to end a season. Three consecutive losses to AFC North opponents, lowering Mangini's record in the division to 2-10 in two seasons. That's atrocious. I realize that our talent level isn't up there to compete with the Ravens and Steelers yet. But we play them every year twice. Shouldn't we know them just as well as it seems they know us? That's coaching.

Our coaches' familiarity with the New England Patriots spawned that upset. The Browns had an ace-in-the-hole with LB Scott Fujita in preparing for the New Orleans Saints in the upset that preceded the New England game. Both of these teams have qualified for the playoffs, with New England ending the season without losing another game. So why couldn't the Browns defeat bottom-feeders like the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals? The common denominator is the coaching.

It seems as if the Browns have impact players on offense with LT Joe Thomas, QB Colt McCoy, RB Peyton Hillis and TE Ben Watson. Defensively, we have CB Joe Haden, S T.J. Ward and NT Ahtyba Rubin to build around. We have more talent on both sides of the ball now than in past years. It's up to the front office to cultivate more talent, and it's up to the new coaching staff to maximize their potential.

So what will team president Mike Holmgren do? Will he go after one of the many that branched off of his coaching tree? Jon Gruden is the hot name. Marty Mornhinweg, currently the Offensive Coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles is in the discussion, as well as departed Carolina Panthers ex-coach John Fox. Or will The Big Show come down from the office and roam the sidelines for one more run?

We here at PrimeTime Sports want to hear your thoughts!