Collins to be fired...

[The Balanced Man]

WKNR reported this morning that Collins will be fired today. Savage will reportedly be the man.


Thank goodness.

[J2thez929]

Thank god Lerner grew a set and got rid of the right guy. We need Savage. Collins is just another replacement upper management chump

Good job Browns. You finally got something right

[The Balanced Man]

It's official

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2278785

There shakeup in the Cleveland Browns' front office will not involve general manager Phil Savage.

In a remarkable twist, John Collins, who has served as Browns' team president since May 1, 2004, resigned Tuesday.

There have been rumors, adamantly denied by Collins, that he preferred to move back to New York. Before joining the Cleveland franchise, Collins worked 15 years in the league office in a variety of positions. He is a New York native who spent much of his scholastic and professional life in the city.

How the Cleveland front office makeover will shake out when it is completed remains to be seen. It appears that Savage, one of the league's most respected talent evaluators, will be part of the front office team, and The Akron Beacon Journal reported Tuesday that Savage would stay on as general manager.

Last week, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported that Savage would be fired because of "philosophical differences" with some members of the organization, and several sources confirmed that was the case. But the public reaction to the report was so strong, and the backlash so negative, it appears Browns officials reconsidered the move.

Coach Romeo Crennel also met with owner Randy Lerner and supported keeping Savage, The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported.

Collins said that the Browns' management team huddled on Friday night and "renewed [its] vows," but even then speculation swirled that Savage might still depart.

Senior writer Len Pasquarelli covers the NFL for ESPN.com.

[JEWMAH9701]

Great decision by the Browns. Also found this comment by Randy Lerner on the Cleveland Browns website:

Statement from Randy Lerner
January 3, 2006


Statement from Browns Owner Randy Lerner:

“John Collins has resigned his position as President and CEO of the Cleveland Browns. Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel will remain in their current roles and I will assume the responsibilities left open by John’s departure. It is my expectation that the role of President will be filled although there are no current candidates or time frame set to do so. My priority is to give the General Manager and Head Coach all the resources necessary to make the Browns successful.”