Today's Akron Beacon Journal sheds some light on why the Cleveland Browns and defensive coordinator Todd Grantham parted ways (other than, you know, the Browns' atrocious defense the past few years). Oddly, the team gave Grantham a two-year extension last off-season only to fire him seven months later.
Apparently, problems surfaced during Cleveland's October 21 bye week when there was talk that Romeo Crennel could take over the defensive play-calling duties. A welcome change for Browns fans, no doubt, but it wouldn't have done much for Grantham's confidence. It gets weirder, though. Two days ago, before Grantham was canned, the Orange and Brown Report had this:
And just what was the genesis of the problems between Crennel and Grantham? According to several players, none of whom would speak on the record, Grantham "schemed behind RAC's back" in an effort to get him fired before the bye so that he could take over as the interim head coach and, possibly, secure the position for years to come.
Additionally, there were "scheme and personnel issues" between not only Grantham and Crennel, but between Grantham and players on the defensive side of the ball. In particular, veterans have been exasperated over Grantham's unwillingness to even listen to input on various defensive issues.Wow. It's important to keep in mind that OBR cites unnamed sources, but given how this thing has played out, the accounts certainly seem feasible. Ironically, instead of getting the ax, Crennel led the Browns to a 10-6 record and got a new deal out of it. If you're Grantham, I think that qualifies as a plan "blowing up in your face." Good luck finding a job, buddy.
As far as Grantham's replacement, it looks like defensive backs coach Mel Tucker will be promoted to defensive coordinator. Tucker grew up in Cleveland, and was the defensive coordinator at Ohio State before joining the Browns in 2005.
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. Nice report. As a long-time, frequent reader of the OBR, I'd like to vouch for the site. Its scoops are almost uncannily accurate. In the blogosphere, one has to take unnamed source material with a grain of salt, but the folks at OBR are connected to sources with a lot of access within the organization; the record speaks for itself. Of course, you have to subscribe to truly appreciate the access that these guys (led by editor Barry McBride, who started the site in the wake of Modell's deal with Satan) have. It used to be called "Bernie's Insiders" (Kosar had something invested in the site at one point, but no longer) until it was absorbed into the "Scout.com" network. And while I can't vouch for the other Scout.com's, the OBR has essentially retained its character - same writers (generally) and same quality - while also becoming more interface-friendly and cosmopolitan (i.e. more links to other NFL stuff).
I generally don't trust web "rumors", but, as was the case with PFT, I grew to trust the OBR so much that I am not surprised, but shocked, when one of their scoops isn't validated. Even when they're wrong, they're wrong for all the right reasons.
Unlike "pro" journos, these guys observe all the ethical protocol of the mainstream media, without being afraid to take risks. And since they're not sucking-up to anyone (agents, players, etc.) to land "breaking news" scoops or star interviews, love what they do, and share the manic obsessions of their readers - you can always sense that they're giving their best (unlike local beat writers, who don't want to rock the boat for fear that they'll lose some of the perks (like that great catering in the press room, etc.)
I trust the OBR more than the P. Dealer, ABJ, ESPN etc. combined. If other scout sites are this good, then ESPN should watch out...(Sporting News has already beaten the World Wide Leader to the punch by signing bloggers and scouts en masse - a move that's going to revitalize that publication, I think.
Posted at 2:22PM on Jan 14th 2008 by Sam Spade
2. im not a coach at all, but even i could tell that this coordinator blew to put it mildly. He had the players ten yards off every receiver in the game. If youre not gonna challenge the other teams offensive, why not just forefit the game. Browns fans also need to realize that Derrick Anderson had all the necessary tools to have an exceptional yr, a great line, great receiver tantum, and a powerhouse running back, and he cost the team the playoffs cause his play decline over the year. Most of his interceptions came not under pressure, but gift wrapped like presents. And this crap that he's a rookie is bs, Philip Rivers, Carson Palmer, Kurt Warner and even Kyle Boller got their teams to the playoffs, and they didnt have as many weapons. I would trade Derek in a heartbeat for a 1st and 3rd if any team is stupid enough to offer it. how does Derek Anderson even get a Probowl alternate job... he sucked big time on the road, and wouldve lost two more games if it wasn't for Jamal Lewis willing the team to wins on his legs.
Posted at 2:55PM on Jan 14th 2008 by dave