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Jets, Lions, and Browns Sack Head Coaches

Departure follows end-of-season collapse

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 29, 2008 10:51 AM CST

(Newser) – With the NFL season freshly over, the New York Jets, the Cleveland Browns, and the Detroit Lions have fired their coaches, the Washington Post reports. The Lions' Rod Marinelli was sacked after having the NFL's first 0-16 season. The Jets' Eric Mangini, at 37 the NFL’s youngest head coach, was plagued by a late-season collapse, the New York Times writes. The Browns' Romeo Crennell lost his job the day after the team's general manager was fired, USA Today notes.

As of yesterday, “Mangenius” expected to return in 2009, he said. Some slammed his lack of emotion on the field, but his players didn’t seem to mind. While the Jets’ former QB had called for Mangini’s departure, the current team was more forgiving. “I don’t think he should shoulder a lot of the blame for the way this season has went,” said wide receiver Laveranues Coles. “Blame everybody.”

[Images (5)]

[Quotes (1)]

In this Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008, photo, Cleveland Browns coach Romeo Crennel watches from the sideline during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Tom E. Puskar, File)

New York Jets coach Eric Mangini has been fired. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

New York Jets coach Eric Mangini gestures during a game against the Miami Dolphins yesterday. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)

New York Jets coach Eric Mangini congratulates quarterback Brett Favre after the Jets beat the previously undefeated Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008. (AP Photo/John Russell)

Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli is seen during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 28, 2008, which he lost to end with an 0-16 record. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

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We can’t pick a specific area. It’s a judgment call. I’m not saying Eric won’t be a successful coach. I think he will be. - Jets owner Woody Johnson

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Jets, Lions, and Browns Sack Head Coaches