Kokinis likely to become the Browns GM
Posted January 19th, 2009 by Luke Chandler
Per Tony Grossi, George Kokinis is expected to be in Cleveland today to have a second interview with owner Randy Lerner. He will likely be offered the job, and accept. Not much else to speculate on this matter, but I'll be interested in seeing what level of control Kokinis will receive. Terry Pluto says that Kokinis will likely command a degree of control, should he take the job.
In coaching staff news, former quarterbacks coach/assistant head coach Rip Scherer has left the team. He will be joining the Panthers as their quarterbacks coach, joining former Browns coordinator Jeff Davidson on the Carolina staff. This moves likely signals the hiring of Carl Smith as the quarterbacks coach
Also, the Browns are expected to interview Jets assistant defensive line coach Bryan Cox, presumably for the defensive line coach job. Cox will certainly bring an aggressive attitude to the coaching staff. My fondest memory of him was the infamous double middle finger salute he gave to Bills fans in September 1993.
A few random bits…
The Browns should draft Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry (or Southern California's Rey Maualuga), per Casey Drottar.
The Arizona Cardinals are heading to the Super Bowl, leaving the Browns, Texans, Saints, and Jaguars as the only NFL teams who have never appeared in a Super Bowl.
As if seeing the Steelers win the AFC wasn't enough, Tony Grossi ponders what would have happened if the Browns had never left Cleveland.
PFT's Mike Florio reports that Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers, who does not want to play for the team further, wants to play in a 3-4 defense. Peppers probably isn't in the Browns plans, but it's an intriguing idea.
Les Levine feels like the Browns fans need to be more informed.
January 19th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Anybody who watches football has seen Julius Peppers. Why wouldn't he be in the Browns plans if available? He is easily one of the 2-3 best edge rushers in the game. If the Browns don't pursue him it will speak volumes about their committment or lack there of to winning. Peppers is a FORCE and a game changer. He has freakish ability, nothing like any of the current Browns have now. Mangini, GO GET HIM!
January 19th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
A couple reasons Nyle:
Peppers has never played in a 3-4, and his skillset doesn't seem to suit it.
The Browns are probably near the salary cap limit already and Peppers just turned a franchise tag from the Panthers that would give him $17 million next year. I don't think the Browns have that type of money.
January 20th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
I don't believe the Lions have made the Super Bowl. Add 'em to the list!
April 15th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
If you ever want to read a reader's feedback
, I rate this post for 4/5. Decent info, but I just have to go to that damn yahoo to find the missed pieces. Thanks, anyway!