Browns owner mulling offseason changes

Nov 25, 2008 - 8:31 PM BEREA, Ohio (Ticker) -- The future of Cleveland Browns coach Romeo Crennel and general manager Phil Savage could be in question after team owner Randy Lerner said he is considering major offseason changes.

In a 60-minute interview with Cleveland media members, the usually tip-lipped Lerner indicated that he has not decided if he will bring back either Crennel or Savage next season.

Expected to contend for a playoff spot after going 10-6 last year, the Browns have been perhaps the NFL's biggest disappointment this season. They dropped to 4-7 following last week's 16-6 loss to the Houston Texans.

"That is at the core of the analysis," Lerner said. "What happened? How do you go from 10-6, play good football, have the NFL generally excited, get six prime-time appearances ... how does all that happen and you struggle that way?"

Lerner said the loss to Texans was "sickening," but vowed that he has no interest in selling the team he inherited after his father's death in 2002.

According to the Plain Dealer, there have been rumors circulating that Lerner has been approached by UnderArmour founder Ken Plank about a possible deal.

"I totally care about this team," he said. "I feel totally engaged. I will stay committed and focused. I have no plans to sell the team. I'm not prepared to throw in the towel at the age of 46 and say I can't get the job done."

The Browns are just 24-35 since Crennel and Savage were hired in 2005. They have become the target of intense criticism from Cleveland's passionate fan base.

Savage recently came under fire after responding to a critical e-mail from a fan with a profanity.

Lerner also expressed concern with the way the team handled the controversy involving tight end Kellen Winslow, who was suspended one game after alleging that Savage wanted to conceal Winslow's staph infection.