I find it a bit odd that our fearless owner could not sleep a wink until he had a head coach in place, but appears willing to wait until after the Super Bowl to fill the role of general manager. Such may be the case if Baltimore wins this weekend, and that could be a “best case” scenario. Assuming your “best case” involves another guy from the Ravens.
Baltimore’s George Kokinis was in fact interviewed this past Sunday after the Ravens disposed of the Tennessee Titans in the conference semi-finals. However, if the Ravens manage to get past the Steelers this coming week, Lerner will be forced to wait until after big game to see if Kokinis is in fact still interested in the Browns GM role.
Mary Kay Cabot mentioned that Lerner has actually expanded his list of potential GMs as the search continues – possibly creating a few back-up plans in the event that Kokinis prefers to stay with his current team. You know, since they’re approaching their second Super Bowl in the last nine years and all…
But fear not, as we have other names to add into the mix.
Late last week, we caught word that former Denver GM Ted Sundquist and Indianapolis’ VP of Player Ops Chris Polian would be considered. Ironically enough, Sundquist used to contribute to popular football-based blog ProFootballTalk.com. He’s well respected and was responsible for players like Brandon Marshall, Clinton Portis and Jay Cutler. In my opinion, he would not be a terrible consolation prize.
If you need any word on Polian, just look at the success that the Colts have been able to put together. Polian has had several very successful drafts, especially considering that the Colts have selected at the end of nearly every round in which they have drafted a player. And if it is communication you long for, just ask the great Marv Levy.
Polian’s strong suits are his abilities to work with others and to focus on the task at hand. He said while Polian has ideas of his own, he is always accepting of others’ views.
Plus, consider that scouting is in his blood (father is Bill Polian of early Carolina Panther/Indy Colts fame), if the Browns were forced to go with Chris, I would not be all too upset.
A new name that popped into the mix has been Nick Caserio of the New England Patriots. I am not sure what sort of feelings lie between Caserio and Mangini, but if you have a thing for local guys, Caserio’s the one for you. Born in Westlake, Ohio, he attended John Carroll University and left as a three-time academic All-Ohio Quarterback. He spent some time on the sidelines with the Pats before heading to the front office in 2008. But as we have seen with others in the New England tree, it is tough to gauge how much impact certain individuals have with the team that could actually translate to another franchise.
So stay tuned on this one, folks. And don’t be surprised if we hear a few other names being added to the hopper. Heck, by this time next month, we may be raffling the position off…
