A four and 12 season ultimately spelled doom for Romeo Crennel, after last years' 10 win finish lead to high expectations.
When the Browns lost their final six games, fans clamored for a change - and by late Monday morning, owner Randy Lerner had released the fourth year coach, despite Crennel having three years remaining on his contract.
The team did not make Crennel available to the media, but players Joe Thomas and Brady Quinn chose to speak about the man who has been the only pro coach either man has played under.
TACKLE JOE THOMAS: "This decision that happened today came down to wins and losses, and in the business of football, that's what everything comes down to. It's 'How many did you win and how many did you lose?', and if you don't come up to whatever standard it was, then you're not going to be there the next year."
QUARTERBACK BRADY QUINN: "I think it says a lot about someone, when they're going through adversity such as this, yet they're able to continue to coach, to continue to do their job. That was something that to me, as well as the rest of the guys on the team, said something about who he is as a person, and not just as a coach."
Crennel later issued a statement saying that "Though this past year has been tough, (his) experience in Cleveland has been a good one, and that (he) did not win enough games so (he) must move on."
He also thanked the team for the chance - and the fans for their support.
Rick Jackson, 90.3.
FULL STATEMENT FROM PHIL SAVAGE:
"I would like to thank Randy Lerner for giving me the opportunity to work for the Cleveland Browns over these past four seasons," said Savage. "Things did not go as well as we had expected, particularly in 2008, however, I do anticipate this team bouncing back and having success in the future."
FULL STATEMENT FROM ROMEO CRENNEL:
"I would like to thank Randy Lerner for giving me the opportunity to coach the Cleveland Browns. Some progress was made in my four years here, but not enough to go forward in this position."
"The support from the community and the fans has been greatly appreciated. Though this past year has been tough, my experience in Cleveland has been a good one. I did not win enough games so I must move on. Thank you for the opportunity."
