I've been on the fence about Mangini since he was hired to be the Browns' head coach after the 2008 season. I didn't particularly like the hire at the time. It felt like Deja Vu to me. So, were bringing in a former Patriots Defensive Coordinator and a GM who was a personnel guy with the Ravens. Where had I heard of that before? That being said, there was nothing that could be done once the hire had been made. We were going to have to tough it out and give this guy a chance, because like it or not he was the new Head Coach of the Cleveland Browns.
Last year the team was pathetic for most of the season. Only winning one of its first twelve games and that victory was in perhaps the most ugly game of Professional Football in recent times. However my feeling toward him weren't entirely hostile during that stretch. That was largely due to the fact that he got rid Braylon Edwards, but the happiness that move brought me was beginning to wear off. Then the strangest thing happened. The team that had looked no better than a bad college team playing in the NFL started winning. Most importantly, Mangini coached the Browns in their victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers*. The late season success almost forced the new President Mike Holmgren to keep him.
The late season victories of last year had created a moderately high level of expectations for the Browns coming into this season. Those were quickly dashed by embarrassing losses to Kansas City and Tampa Bay**. After starting 1-5 there were two surprising victories against two of the NFL's best, New Orleans and New England. Suddenly the Browns looked like they might make a run and became playoff contenders. However those games seem to be flukes and evidence of this team's playing to the level of their opponents.
Yesterday's performance was made me finally decide that Mangini needs to go. The Bengals had no business competing with the Browns, but Cleveland fell into their usual cycle. Although it ended up being much worse yesterday, because the defense looked porous. So, the offense went stagnant after some early success, but the defense wasn't there to fall back on. Given how good the defense has played this season, the only reason I can think for how Cincy was able to man-handle them is lack of effort. That's coaching.
The fact is a team in the NFL shouldn't fall into the cycle on the field that the Browns' have this season. A few good series by the offense and then stagnation for the rest of the game. The defense then eventually fall apart because they've been on the field too much. Considering the Browns' most successful plays have been trick plays and due to Peyton Hillis' beastliness, coaching is a serious issue. You shouldn't have to use gimmicks in the NFL.
I'm hesitant to think Mangini should be fired, but it is what will be best for the Browns. He hasn't had much time and has probably the one of the last talented rosters in the NFL. Plus, I personally kind of like the guy. He's like Belichick, only not such a douche-bag. It's like Belichick was in Slytherin and Mangini was in Ravenclaw***. Still, it's time for the Browns as an organization to move on without him. Allow Holmgren to select a coach and work to build a better talent base without having to appease Mangini's standards.
So, I am now firmly in the Fire Mangini camp.
Thanks for reading and please comment.
-Michael
*That still makes me happy
**I don't care what their records are now, the Browns should have won those games against inferior opponents.
***Putting him in Gyrffindor would be too much credit and into Hufflepuff**** not enough.
****Hufflepuffs FTW
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