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May 6th, 2010 
Sean 
Evolution makes species adapt to their environment, can Eric Mangini change to survive?
Eric Mangini has been widely criticized in the past year for numerous missteps. Some of them may be unfair but losing makes perception become reality. Hear are some of the Mangini’s faux pas:
1. Media reports of Mangini ignoring star Defensive lineman Shaun Rogers at the Cleveland sports awards.
2. Eric Mangini signs multiple Jets during free agency who don’t have a real impact during the season.
3. Mangini trades with the Jets giving them a potential franchise quarterback for very little compensation.
4. Mangini drafts two 2nd round players who struggle to find the field during the season.
5. Mangini sends his rookies on a “voluntary” bus trip eleven hours to assist in his football camp.
6. Mangini doesn’t decide until a few days before the season opener on a starting quarterback. The managing of the competition is considered to be complete failure.
7. Mangini gives the quick hook to “golden boy” Brady Quinn after two and a half games.
8. James Davis gets hurt in an “opportunity drill” during practice and the media speculates that the Browns were not in compliance with NFL rules. It was later disproved but perception had already been shaped about the event.
9. Mangini watches his rookie offensive coordinator direct one the poorest offenses in NFL history.
10. The Browns part way with Mangini’s hand-picked General Manager George Kokinis during the middle of season. Not much explanation is given on the decision except it just didn’t work out.
After making this list I have to admit I am amazed that Mangini is still the coach. After the Holmgren hire some of these things started to fade into the background, but wow that is one heck of a list. Mangini did have a very positive finish to the end of the season by winning the last four games and beat arch rival Pittsburgh. The team didn’t quit.
So how does this tie to Mike Holmgren?
Holmgren could have very easily fired Mangini but he must have saw something in the coach.
What does Mangini need to do to keep his job?
1. Listen to Holmgren-it is the most important thing he can do.
2. Improve Communication-this means communicating with the team better and the media. The media is an extension of the fan base. There is an art of saying little without being be arrogant to the media. Holmgren is a master at this.
3. Just Coach-Don’t worry about scheduling bus-trips, signing Jets, or controlling everything. Mangini is a good coach, multiple players have said he is a genius when it comes to gameplanning and schemes. If he can stick to just coaching the team will be better.
4. Develop players- If a player isn’t great on special teams that doesn’t mean the player couldn’t contribute on the offense or defense. This is the Brian Robiskie rule. Last year Mangini needed somebody to tell him-Hey the team is 1-11 play Robiskie.
5. No QB competitions- Holmgren has said he hates them, but Mangini hasn’t said the same. Mangini has constantly had a QB competition throughout his coaching career. It doesn’t work. Get the starter ready as soon as possible in training camp.
Will Mangini survive nobody knows, but he has the opportunity-(he loves opportunities, ask James Davis) to make it. He needs to navigate these five things. Holmgren will not allow the team to spiral out of control like last year. So if Mangini doesn’t evolve his NFL head coaching career could be over. If he does he could be the next successful branch of Holmgren’s tree.
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