Mangini news conference highlights
Posted January 8th, 2009 by Dan
First, owner Randy Lerner was not present. Eric Mangini was introduced by team president Mike Keenan. The news conference lasted just about a half hour with Mangini opening with a statement followed by questions.
- On coming back to Cleveland where he was a ball boy and public relations intern:
"It is really special to be back here when I got my first opportunity. I couldn't be happier than to come home to Cleveland and see a lot of old friends here."
- On what he learned in three years as Jets coach:
"You learn so much from your experiences. I tell players, win or lose, be honest. I ask myself that all the time. Nobody stops improving. I learned so many things over three years that there's no handbook for."
- What his plans are as Browns coach:
"There's probably a laundry list. There's so many different areas you're involved with as head coach … I go back and look at my notes."
- Mangini talked about playing the Browns in preseason and seeing how similar the offenses of the two teams are.
- The possibility of bringing in George Kokinis as general manager:
"I think he's impressive. He's got tremendous substance. That being said, what's also important is getting the best possible people to fill all the roles in the organization. We're going to go through that process."
- Mangini said he has a distinct vision of the team.
- He wants players to have these characteristics: smart, tough, hardworking, competitive, selfless and a passion for the game.
- There was an implication that Romeo Crennel will be kept with the franchise in some capacity.
- Mangini mentioned bringing in new players a few times.
- He was resolute in keeping the 3-4 defense.
- It seems like Bill Callahan, an assistant head coach in New York, will be brought in to add pieces of the West Coast offense.
