Wilson: Lerner breaks his silence on Kokinis ouster

Cleveland Browns owner Randy Lerner broke his silence regarding general manager George Kokinis' ouster, conducting an e-mail interview where he discussed coach Eric Mangini and other topics.

Lerner didn't offer much detail on the reasons behind Kokinis' departure in his e-mail interview with the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

"My justification for the recent change is that circumstances dictated the action taken and I can assure you they were unforeseen," Lerner wrote. "We are not at liberty to discuss the details of George's departure at this time.

George Kokinis

When asked what role, if any, Mangini played in Kokinis' dismissal, Lerner replied: "No. It would be unfair to point to Eric in explaining George's departure."

As far as Mangini, Lerner addressed the rush factor involved in hiring him after he was fired by the New York Jets.

"No, I do not regret the timing of Eric's hire," Lerner said. "My priorities in last year's search for head coach were previous coaching experience and a comprehensive plan. I felt that he met those requirements and is also at an age and phase of his career to continue to evolve his style and approach."

The fact that Kokinis had to answer to Mangini was denied by Lerner.

"I don't believe the GM was in anyway beholden to the head coach," Lerner said. "They had distinct and clearly articulated duties and responsibilities."

When asked if he foresaw a scenario where Mangini wouldn't be the coach next season, Lerner offered a one-word answer: "No."

Asked specifically if he still has interest in former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher, Lerner stuck to his guns: "We have a head coach."

And Lerner said that he had no plans to sell the team at this time.

Follow me on Twitter: RavensInsider

Comments

Add a Comment