Pittsburgh - The Phil Savage era as Browns general manager is over.
Shortly after the Browns completed a 4-12 season with a 31-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team confirmed that Savage was fired.
Owner Randy Lerner made the decision prior to the game. A source said the decision was based on problems with Savage's communication and leadership skills.
Lerner is scheduled to meet with coach Romeo Crennel today and it
is expected Crennel also will be dismissed.
The Browns owner is hoping to recruit former Steelers coach Bill Cowher or New England vice president Scott Pioli to head his revamped Football operations.
By virtue of New England's elimination from the playoffs despite an 11-5 record, Pioli is available to be interviewed immediately.
According to a source, Lerner was absent from Sunday's game because he was lining up a busy week of inter-
views.
He is expected to meet face to face this week with Cowher, who has been telling everyone that he does not intend to return to coaching in 2009.
Lerner also could conduct personal interviews with a couple of NFL assistant coaches to comply with the league's mandate to interview at least one
minority for any head coaching va-
cancy.
The Browns may interview Buffalo defensive coordinator Perry Fewell and Washington defensive coordinator Greg Blache.
The Browns also want to interview New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo in the "window" allotted by the NFL with the Giants on a postseason bye week.
In May, Savage agreed to a three-year contract extension through 2012. He since has had a more tumultuous year than his team.
He made several public comments that applied pressure on his coaching staff, got involved in a messy spat with tight end Kellen Winslow over a suspension that ultimately was rescinded, and responded to a disgruntled fan with an e-mail that contained an expletive.
In four years with Savage as GM, the Browns were 24-40 with no playoff appearances. In the four years prior to him taking over, the team was 25-40 with one playoff appearance.
To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
tgrossi@plaind.com, 216-999-4670
