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Team denies security officers escorted executive. Departure doesn't bode well for Mangini's future
By Marla Ridenour
Beacon Journal sports writer
POSTED: 10:52 p.m. EST, Nov 02, 2009
BEREA: Browns General Manager George Kokinis was ousted today, but the team confirmed only that he is no longer ‘‘actively involved with the organization.’’
Kokinis' departure appeared to come under contentious circumstances, but it was unclear whether he resigned or was forced out. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported that the Browns were trying to work out a settlement with Kokinis in which he would resign, but that Kokinis had refused.
A statement released by the Browns denied reports that Kokinis was escorted out of the building.
‘‘In the interest of protecting the parties involved, we will withhold further comment,’’ the statement said.
A witness said Kokinis, carrying a travel bag, came down the stairs and was met by an administrative staffer. The staffer was joined by a high-ranking official and both watched Kokinis walk to his car on the team's security cameras.
Browns public relations director Neal Gulkis said the team was not confirming multiple reports that Kokinis had been fired.
Kokinis is the second to go recently, following director of football operations Erin O'Brien, who served as coach Eric Mangini's personal assistant with the New York Jets.
Owner Randy Lerner has also brought in former quarterback Bernie Kosar to serve as his ''eyes and ears,'' and Kosar will report only to him. Lerner could be considering Kosar for a top football position.
The moves do not bode well for Mangini's future, even though Lerner said Sunday that Mangini would not be fired this week during the Browns' bye. The Browns are 1-7 and have lost 13 of their past 14 games.
The departure of Kokinis came a day after Lerner said he wanted to find a ''strong, credible, serious leader'' to guide the football operations and characterized it as a high priority.
Kokinis was hired Jan. 23 from the Baltimore Ravens, where he worked for 13 years, including the past six as director of pro personnel. But Lerner hired Mangini first and he clearly had all the power, even though Kokinis said at his introductory news conference that he had final say on the 53-man roster.
Something about the Browns' arrangement with Kokinis clearly angered Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome, who would never talk about Kokinis with old friends in Cleveland.
Kokinis watched road games in Pittsburgh and Chicago from the press box, conversing with friends but not the Browns' media. On Oct. 18 at Heinz Field, Kokinis appeared unhappy when he left the Browns' locker room after the game, spending about two minutes there.
He hadn't spoken to local reporters since draft day in April and seemed to be merely a figurehead.
Terms of Kokinis' contract were never revealed. Lerner is still paying former General Manager Phil Savage and coach Romeo Crennel a reported $20 million.
Kokinis and Mangini worked together in 1994-95 with the Browns under coach Bill Belichick and in 1996 in Baltimore. They broke into the NFL as Browns interns and shared a Berea apartment, sleeping on the floor on borrowed mattresses.
Kokinis also served on the board of directors of Mangini's foundation.
Word of Kokinis' departure had not surfaced when Mangini held his news conference around 3 p.m.
Mangini said he had talked by phone with Lerner this morning.
Asked about the hiring of a football executive, Mangini said, ''We talk about all the different things that involve the football side, the organizational side of things.
''The objective is the same for both of us. It's to improve from the football perspective and to improve from the organizational perspective and you analyze at every opportunity to do that. It's no different organizationally than it is to build the team. If you can add quality people that can help you get better, then you do that. You're always searching for those opportunities.''
As for whether Mangini believed there is a void in that realm, Mangini said, ''Just like with personnel, you improve the organization at all points.''
Lerner also spoke of finding help on the football side in an e-mail to the Beacon Journal last week.
''I have remained open to new and fresh ideas and thinking and people with passion for the Browns and football experience getting involved and . . . making a difference,'' Lerner said.
Speaking on WKNR radio today, Kosar talked about the dire straits of the team.
''In terms of turning it around in the next year or so, we've got to be right in the draft. What are we doing to get ready for the draft and free agency?'' Kosar said. ''Until you bring in some difference-making players, I don't know how you get out of this.
''There's no doubt that we are really void of playmakers. Other than maybe Josh Cribbs and Shaun Rogers, we don't have anybody that makes any team afraid.''
Marla Ridenour can be reached at mridenour@thebeaconjournal.com. Read her Browns blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/browns/. Follow the Browns on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ABJ_Browns.
BEREA: Browns General Manager George Kokinis was ousted today, but the team confirmed only that he is no longer ‘‘actively involved with the organization.’’
Kokinis' departure appeared to come under contentious circumstances, but it was unclear whether he resigned or was forced out. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported that the Browns were trying to work out a settlement with Kokinis in which he would resign, but that Kokinis had refused.
A statement released by the Browns denied reports that Kokinis was escorted out of the building.
‘‘In the interest of protecting the parties involved, we will withhold further comment,’’ the statement said.
A witness said Kokinis, carrying a travel bag, came down the stairs and was met by an administrative staffer. The staffer was joined by a high-ranking official and both watched Kokinis walk to his car on the team's security cameras.
Browns public relations director Neal Gulkis said the team was not confirming multiple reports that Kokinis had been fired.
Kokinis is the second to go recently, following director of football operations Erin O'Brien, who served as coach Eric Mangini's personal assistant with the New York Jets.
Owner Randy Lerner has also brought in former quarterback Bernie Kosar to serve as his ''eyes and ears,'' and Kosar will report only to him. Lerner could be considering Kosar for a top football position.
The moves do not bode well for Mangini's future, even though Lerner said Sunday that Mangini would not be fired this week during the Browns' bye. The Browns are 1-7 and have lost 13 of their past 14 games.
The departure of Kokinis came a day after Lerner said he wanted to find a ''strong, credible, serious leader'' to guide the football operations and characterized it as a high priority.
Kokinis was hired Jan. 23 from the Baltimore Ravens, where he worked for 13 years, including the past six as director of pro personnel. But Lerner hired Mangini first and he clearly had all the power, even though Kokinis said at his introductory news conference that he had final say on the 53-man roster.
Something about the Browns' arrangement with Kokinis clearly angered Ravens General Manager Ozzie Newsome, who would never talk about Kokinis with old friends in Cleveland.
Kokinis watched road games in Pittsburgh and Chicago from the press box, conversing with friends but not the Browns' media. On Oct. 18 at Heinz Field, Kokinis appeared unhappy when he left the Browns' locker room after the game, spending about two minutes there.
He hadn't spoken to local reporters since draft day in April and seemed to be merely a figurehead.
Terms of Kokinis' contract were never revealed. Lerner is still paying former General Manager Phil Savage and coach Romeo Crennel a reported $20 million.
Kokinis and Mangini worked together in 1994-95 with the Browns under coach Bill Belichick and in 1996 in Baltimore. They broke into the NFL as Browns interns and shared a Berea apartment, sleeping on the floor on borrowed mattresses.
Kokinis also served on the board of directors of Mangini's foundation.
Word of Kokinis' departure had not surfaced when Mangini held his news conference around 3 p.m.
Mangini said he had talked by phone with Lerner this morning.
Asked about the hiring of a football executive, Mangini said, ''We talk about all the different things that involve the football side, the organizational side of things.
''The objective is the same for both of us. It's to improve from the football perspective and to improve from the organizational perspective and you analyze at every opportunity to do that. It's no different organizationally than it is to build the team. If you can add quality people that can help you get better, then you do that. You're always searching for those opportunities.''
As for whether Mangini believed there is a void in that realm, Mangini said, ''Just like with personnel, you improve the organization at all points.''
Lerner also spoke of finding help on the football side in an e-mail to the Beacon Journal last week.
''I have remained open to new and fresh ideas and thinking and people with passion for the Browns and football experience getting involved and . . . making a difference,'' Lerner said.
Speaking on WKNR radio today, Kosar talked about the dire straits of the team.
''In terms of turning it around in the next year or so, we've got to be right in the draft. What are we doing to get ready for the draft and free agency?'' Kosar said. ''Until you bring in some difference-making players, I don't know how you get out of this.
''There's no doubt that we are really void of playmakers. Other than maybe Josh Cribbs and Shaun Rogers, we don't have anybody that makes any team afraid.''
Marla Ridenour can be reached at mridenour@thebeaconjournal.com. Read her Browns blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/browns/. Follow the Browns on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ABJ_Browns.
Comments
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highland lakes, nj
Posted 11:54 PM, 11/02/2009
And the scapegoating continues....
Posted 12:00 AM, 11/03/2009
Kokinis was just a puppet for Mangini. He's the scapegoat for a problem that is far deeper than the organization is willing to admit. Mangini got to handpick his own boss, and it backfired on him.
Sagamore Hills, Oh
Posted 06:40 AM, 11/03/2009
Who's this guy again.
All you need to know about decisions made by this organizations.
Norton, oh
Posted 07:10 AM, 11/03/2009
Randy just exorcised the ghost of Berea.
Leesburg, Fl
Posted 07:16 AM, 11/03/2009
Ok Randy, you finally grew some...now don't stop there! You need to sweep the coaching staff out as well. Also, think about contacting Marty Schottenheimer as the new GM. He'll either help shapr Mangini up or ship him out.
Akron, Oh
Posted 07:37 AM, 11/03/2009
The only thing this circus needs is 3 rings!
Go Steelers!!!!!, .
Posted 07:45 AM, 11/03/2009
No word on Accorsi? Pat, can you be a reporter and address these rumors?
Canton, OH
Posted 07:47 AM, 11/03/2009
stay tuned tomorrow for the next episode of As the Browns turn......
Kookville, Oh
Posted 08:02 AM, 11/03/2009
So get some stars in here whether Mangini likes that or not !!! He has a new boss now and things MUST change. Do the right thing in the draft for like 5 years straight for a change.
barberton, oh
Posted 08:17 AM, 11/03/2009
Got to give Randy Lerner credit, he heard Charles Barkley wanted to be a G.M and he's going after his man ! More brilliant moves to follow....talk show hosts reporting that Ernie Accorsi is going to give Bernie Kosar a crash course on how to be a G.M.and then have him replace Kokinuts....talk about being desperate to appease the fans ! "Hey, the fans love Bernie, let's hire him !" Just like the last presidential election....I guess the Browns haven't a good choice to make.
akron, oh
Posted 08:19 AM, 11/03/2009
IT WON;T HURT TO MAKE THE COACHING CHANGE RIGHT NOW
Akron, oh
Posted 08:21 AM, 11/03/2009
It's time to give Randy some credit here, he finally did something. I have read elsewhere that he has had NFL consultants in the building for the last 2 weeks. So maybe he does care. As far as I can recall the new Browns have never fired a coach mid season so why start now? Work on the front office until the season is over and let Cowher know he has a blank check waiting for him here.
Akron, OH
Posted 08:39 AM, 11/03/2009
Good deal! Now we are only 5-6 years out of making the playoffs!
:0/
Posted 08:41 AM, 11/03/2009
Can we stop the talk of Cowher, Lerner already talked to him about the job last year, and he didn't want it. What makes you people think he'd want it now.
Kokinis was a nobody, made no decisions, and held no real power. He was hired because that is who Mangini wanted. Bad move. Hopefully whoever is brought in now will actually have control of football operations, including a role in coaching decisions.
Bernie Kosar is a fan favorite, and maybe Lerner is just trying to appease the fans. But if he can be mentoed by Ernie Accorsi, it is possible that he can be a decent-good GM. He did have some experience with his arena football team. (And Accorsi is an experienced NFL executive who has had success. Hated when he left to go work for the Giants.)
Mangini will stay, through the end of this year, and probably more. Hopefully all of this will work. I'm not saying it will, and we certainly aren't going to turn things around quickly (we'll still suck this year and probably not get to .500 for a couple of years).
PS There is another story on the site now about Accorsi, see the link below
http://www.ohio.com/news/break_news/68803217.html
Posted 08:57 AM, 11/03/2009
@The Original Jason
The News Herald is reporting Accorsi is in as GM:
http://news-herald.com/articles/2009/11/02/sports/nh1647108.txt
ESPN is reporting that Lerner is pursuing him. Sounds like Lerner is finally wising up and trying to hire someone with legit experience.
Posted 08:58 AM, 11/03/2009
I heard JD Brookhart will be available soon!
Akron, OH
Posted 09:30 AM, 11/03/2009
A true Mangina has no Kok.
Leesburg, Fl
Posted 09:32 AM, 11/03/2009
It's going to be of a bit of a blood letting at the NFL head coaching position this season with Cleveland, Washington Tampa Bay, Dallas and St. Louis all projected to be in the hunt.
For those of you who want Cower at the Browns helm..it ain't gonna happen. He's been biding his time waiting for the Carolina job to open...and that one's clearly up in the air also.
akron, oh
Posted 09:34 AM, 11/03/2009
@Fix_it_Already: "As far as I can recall the new Browns have never fired a coach mid season so why start now?"
Well, not exactly.
Forrest Gregg was fired and replaced by interim coach Dick Modzelewski for the last game of the season.
Sam Rutigliano was fired and replaced by Marty Schottenheimer.
Jim Shofner replaced Bud Carson mid-season.
Butch Davis was canned, replaced by Terry Robiskie.
Canal Fulton, Oh
Posted 10:02 AM, 11/03/2009
From the guy who paints the lines on the field to the guy that signs the paychecks!!
This is all wrong..Cleveland needs to get rid of businessman owners,and get people like Jerry Jones,whos a fan first..until then this is what your gonna get.
Canal Fulton, Oh
Posted 10:03 AM, 11/03/2009
I agree with sunbear about Cower..get over him already,who needs him? LOL!!!!!
cleveland, oh
Posted 10:29 AM, 11/03/2009
hey guys i forgot to tell you yesterday i fired George Kokinis earlier in the day. he is the reason we are 1-7 and mr. lerner said my job is safe right now and that everyone reports to me now.
Posted 10:30 AM, 11/03/2009
Worse than the Bengals management, how did this happen?
cleveland, oh
Posted 10:39 AM, 11/03/2009
hummmm" folks one more thing we are a national joke sorry but anyway as we move on. i got rid of all the drafts picks from last year and drafted 10 new york jets players and some more players from the jets to be named later i forgot to mention that if we pick number 3 in the draft i have a deal set with the jets to trade with them so i can help build there team and the browns team at the same time.i dont have a clue what iam doing here but hey mr.lerner i hired me after being fired .
Fairlawn, OH
Posted 10:46 AM, 11/03/2009
Bankruptsy, arena football part owner, divorce, supposed issues with substance abuse, once played with the Browns, slurred speech = an NFL GM? C'mon Man!!! At least the Browns wouldn't have to pay him since he owes them $1.5mm.
AKRON, OH
Posted 10:48 AM, 11/03/2009
finally! Time to keep cleaning!
Posted 10:51 AM, 11/03/2009
Browns should try to hire Tony Dungy as President and GM.
cleveland, oh
Posted 10:57 AM, 11/03/2009
i need more time and draft picks
Go Steelers!!!!!, .
Posted 11:06 AM, 11/03/2009
Info,
The guy knows football. His personal life doesn't change that. If he hadn't have had personal issues over the years, he'd have already been in the Browns front office by now. I say give him a shot. If nothing else, it helps Lerner slow the customer defections taking place.
uniontown, oh
Posted 11:24 AM, 11/03/2009
Oh yea. Get rid of this guy and bring Bernie back into the organization. The Browns will be 8 and 0 the rest if the season.
tallmadge, OH
Posted 11:43 AM, 11/03/2009
As long as Mangini can igore the idiots in the stands who thinks they are all coaches, maybe he can turn this team around. The best strategy is to lose the rest of their games, to get a better draft pick, focus on getting running backs, an OL, receivers who can catch get rid of the fossil leech, Jim Brown. Don't worry about attendance, they will keep packing the stadium.
, OH
Posted 12:03 PM, 11/03/2009
I believe it was Bob Dylan who said, "...when you ain't got nothin', you got nothin' to lose". We can't sink any lower than we are now. I say try anything.
Wichita Falls, Tx
Posted 12:04 PM, 11/03/2009
Hey cornut (socialist)! If you look at the upcoming draft, the offensive line and the defensive line have really good players. We need both, and if you ever watch football, winning starts with the LINE. We already have a good QB (Quinn), Ratliff as a backup would be fine. Our left side of the offensive line is good, Center is going to be another great - right side is a joke. Look at The Big 12! North and South, you've got some really great talent on both sides of the line. I would take the DT from Nebraska - You want a pass rush, well there you go! Trade picks to maximize the rebuild on the lines, look for the RB's & LB's from the undrafted group. There will be a ton of great players not even drafted, trying to get in the NFL before the rookie salary cap gets in.
N. Canton, Oh
Posted 12:20 PM, 11/03/2009
The real story here folks is how the NFL will deal with the sham Mangini was running with Kokinis as a figurehead. The only reason - by league rule - Kokinis was 'allowed' to leave Baltimore, was to take a job of greater authority than the one he held...
It's coming out now the big fat ego never intended to share power, and these two haven't been playing well with each other since June!
Kokinis was asked to resign. He refused. He was fired for 'cause,' meaning Lerner doesn't have to pay him like RC and Savage. So far he's taking the high road. His take on Mangini and his "assistant" Erin O'Brien recently canned for 'cause' will be interesting indeed...
And if the NFL investigates who was really making the decisions, and it appears it wasn't Kokinis, you can forget spygate, or the James Davis fiasco the teflon coach has run through his nine lives.
He'll be fired for, you guessed it, 'cause and finally run out of the league. And not a moment too soon!
tallmadge, OH
Posted 12:23 PM, 11/03/2009
If the offense is so good, why is the defense in the field the entire game?
Hudson, oh
Posted 12:53 PM, 11/03/2009
@Texas#1...: I like the way you think.
@Kieth: Dungy would be better than Bernie.
Posted 03:30 PM, 11/03/2009
Peebs ,
Jerry Jones? You hold him up as a great owner? Because he is a fan? Ask Dallas fans what they think of the guy that ran Tom Landry out of town. That allows a fool (Wade Phillips) to continue to coach. That thinks throwing money at every problem makes it better. Dallas for all their promise and talent hasn't won a playoff game in 10 years.
You want to look at good solid owners of an NFL franchise. Look about 120 miles to the east, our rivals the Steelers and the Rooney family.
Posted 06:45 PM, 11/03/2009
Who hires their own boss and thinks it's really going to work?
Better yet, what business owner let's his key employee hire their own boss, and thinks it's a good idea?
Better than that, why did the media and fans fall all over themselves when this backwards strategy was done?
Lerner practically stumbled over himself to hire Mangini before he had a team president or GM.
It's like signing and drafting players, hiring assistant coaches, and then hiring a head coach. It's obviously backwards and only took them a few months to figure out team management 101, which is obvious so any person with any type of minute business sense.
I guess better now than next year...time to cut bait and hopefully get it right this time.
Posted 06:52 PM, 11/03/2009
Rather than hiring old hero quarterbacks as "consultants" and meeting with dudes that wear dog-masks on Sundays to try and "look better"...how about doing something actually worthwhile like offering Ozzie Newsome the position of Team President. His track record is impeccable and Lerner has now hired 2-people under Ozzie (and paid them a bunch of jack) to try and get someone "like" Ozzie. The role of Team president along with a substantial raise would probably be a dream job for Ozzie which he'll probably never sniff as GM in Baltimore, and his track record is unbelievable.
Guys like Ozzie, Parcells, Gibbs, Dungy (maybe) or Mike Shanahan are guys you'd probably want as team president. There aren't alot of them around, but you want a strong leader from the top that bring in a good coach, oversee talent evaluation, and be a good figurehead too!
Canal Fulton, Oh
Posted 07:39 PM, 11/03/2009
Steve,
Yes,I truly believe in what I posted..
I omitted my fav..which is Shula,,I think they call him Mr.South?? not sure thats it but im close.
My point,get rid of the businessmen!!!!!!!!!!!!!
righthere, oh
Posted 09:58 AM, 11/04/2009
The only thing most people associate "dawgs" and "browns" with is something you try not to step in.
All you good Democrats should be Steeler fans - that's who Obama backed.
Lerners donated to the Republicans, when you buy the merchandise, tickets, and support the browns you are supporting the Republican cause. Lerner makes fools of you in so many ways.
