It’s late July in Berea, which can mean only one thing…

If Eric Mangini is still employed as head coach of the Browns – look for the knives to come out.  Considering that Mangini is still in charge – as inconvenient as this may be to some – the annual sacrifice begins.

First, from the usual suspects….

PFT – Patriots Gutting Reminders of Past Glory

This is the type of move that new coaches sometimes make, breaking from the past, inspiring hatred among the tradition-loving locals.

Damn!  Did you see how PFT did that?  

They took a story – Tony Grossi’s early 2009 “Whitewashing” hatchet job…one that was a work of fiction authored by a bitter beat reporter who had just lost all of “exclusive” sources – then applied it to the proverbial clandestine coaching father of Mangini. 

Of course, the comparison is more than faulty – as Belichick’s renovation appears to be actually that, while Mangini’s actions were more or less attributed to his alleged sinister demeanor as the “Butcher of Browns’ History”…or perhaps more correctly, “not a direct source of information.”

Again, it’s late July. 

As for the first cut of 2010 – it looks like some are just not ready to move on…or, all too ready….

Grossi’s Five Key Storylines

Dominant storyline nationally: Mangini’s future.

Despite winning his last four games, Mangini is appearing at, or near, the top of every pundit’s “coaches on the hot seat” list entering 2010. Technically, Mangini’s contract runs three more years through 2012. But when Holmgren completed weeks of research and two days of intensive meetings with the coach, he announced Mangini “will return as head coach of the Cleveland Browns in 2010.”

Oh, right – this is the dominant “national” storyline….because no one in the Cleveland media endlessly obsesses over Mangini’s future.

In this case, it’s almost like Mangini just happened to fall onto a sword.

And since I’m a day late on this story – thanks a lot, Leroy Kelly – let’s turn it over to Cleveland Frowns, who offered some great thoughts on the subject.

Cleveland Frowns on Grossi

You might want to talk about football, but Tony Grossi wants to talk about pundits, rumors of front office disagreements that can’t be confirmed or denied, and speculation as to whether Mike Holmgren “will be able to stomach” another season away from the sideline. Grossi couldn’t manage to combine these into one category, instead telling us that three of the (presumably top) five key storylines are 1) Mangini’s future; 2) Holmgren’s potential return to coaching; and 3) potential friction between the coach and GM.

Exactly.  It’s not like there’s much else going on in Cleveland at the moment – right?  By the way, how many “rookie camp” reports have you read this week?  There is a rookie camp currently happening in Berea – isn’t there?

Also, as Frowns details, it’s beyond obvious that Grossi’s anti-Mangini agenda continues, at the expense of issues such as the right side of the offensive line, the limited depth across the defensive line, the vagueness at linebacker, the lack of offensive playmakers and the prospects of an all-rookie safety tandem starting the season.

But enough about that, what about Mangini?  The “national” media just won’t give up on this topic.

Of course a day later, Grossi further “examines” the topic – giving us all that “local” touch.

Grossi – Holmgren Comfortable Letting Coaches Run Show

Holmgren said that a thorough review of the team’s offensive failings was part of his intensive meetings with Mangini before deciding to bring back the coach and his staff.

“No,” Holmgren answered. “But every coach thinks he has the answer.”

Let’s just call this little stab “fun with real audio.” 

In terms of setting the “local media” agenda for 2010 – i.e., the continued cutting down of Mangini 2.0 – it looks like the target is obvious.  Because Mangini has accomplished the following:  the overall improved culture of the team, a sharp increase in discipline, a distinct lack of penalties and a team identity that features defense and a physical running game – it becomes more difficult for “local” media types like Grossi to pinpoint the exact reasons why Holmgren will descend to the sidelines in the near future.

In 2010, look for the offense’s production – particularly the passing game – to be the bane of Mangini’s existence….and the justification for continued attacks.

I’m thinking it will go down something like this….

And how convenient – considering that this is exactly Holmgren’s bread and butter. 

Speaking of butter, it’s obvious that Grossi knows where to spread his in the coming years. 

Of course, there is still a slight problem to be found….

PD – Holmgren’s Press Conference

He’s committed to letting Eric Mangini coach the team with minimal interference. He said if he didn’t feel that way, he would’ve made a different decision way back. He admitted he might get antsy at times, but that it’s normal considering he’s been doing things his way for so long.

Wait – what?  So…this means that Mangini is still the coach?

This certainly doesn’t fit the current narrative unfolding in Berea. 

But then again, just wait until that first game where Jake Delhomme struggles to throw for 150 yards.  The “local” media will be swarming in anticipation of a Roman-esque blood bath. 

And guess who the target will be?

The message here is clear.

First, Holmgren has more staying power than Mangini – in whatever capacity that ultimately becomes.  Having said this, it’s obvious that media types are going to invest in Holmgren, rather than Mangini – who is now being portrayed as little more than an accessory in the team’s current rebuilding vision. 

Next, revenge is a tricky little feeling.  What’s the old line?  “Therein lies the defect of revenge; it’s all in the anticipation…”  Because Mangini was not the leaky hose of information that his clumsy predecessor proved to be, the local media have been sharpening their knives in anticipation of the day when they can actually use them.  However, in a most unfortunate event for some, Mangini has proven his importance to the team going forward.

Finally, Holmgren’s honesty is being used to continue the anti-Mangini agenda.  Because Holmgren is assuming a position that is foreign to him – and because he is upfront regarding his “itch” to yet again coach, some are portraying these comments as signs of an eventual Mangini firing. 

How about this instead? 

Holmgren is a former coach who signed on for a position that will challenge him in many unique ways.  While his overall task is nothing short of daunting, there will be times when the ex-coach will feel an urge to do what comes natural to him.  Because Holmgren is programmed to coach, he will act and talk like a coach.  Also, there will be times where he gets bored serving as team President.

Does this mean that everytime Holmgren makes an idle comment regarding his idle hands we should begin packing Mangini’s bags?

Although some people just can’t grasp the concept, there is a clear reason why Mangini is still the coach in Cleveland….both in 2010 and beyond.  Simply put, he inherited a mess of a franchise – not just a team, but an entire franchise – in 2009, cleansed the locker room, established a sense of accountability that had been lacking for the previous ten years and helped forge a steady path forward…not to mention having to deal with an absentee owner and complete joke of a GM.

All of this helped Holmgren make a clear decision upon arriving in Cleveland.  Mangini is his coach.

Deal with it.