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FacebookHome > Blogs > Dawging the Browns > Archives > 2008 > January > 11 > Entry
Grantham’s star fades fast
Secondary coach Mel Tucker, widely respected among the players, is being mentioned as a possible replacement for defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, who was fired Friday after three seasons.
In a statement issued through the team, head coach Romeo Crennel explained the firing this way: “Todd has worked extremely hard during his three seasons with the Browns. Following our discussions after the season, it was decided that it was in the best interests of the organization to move in a different direction.”
So much for hard work. Make no mistake, this is definitely a firing as opposed to some mutual parting of the ways. It was as if the team could not wait to get rid of Grantham, whose bio was quickly expunged from the on-line media guide.
The defense was horrible this season, so the move is by no means a stunner except for the fact that Grantham had been held in high enough esteem to warrant a two-year contract extention in June, taking him through the 2009 season along with Crennel.
Talk about your falling stars. It wasn’t so long ago, remember, that Grantham was being rumored, and perhaps groomed, as a possible successor to Crennel, maybe by about Week 6 if the season had played out a little differently.
The Browns finished 10-6, but they did it almost in spite of their defense, which allowed 402 points (fourth-most in team history) and 5,753 total yards (second-most).
In overall defense (total yards), the Browns ranked 30th in the league, which is another way of saying only two teams were worse.
The Browns were 24th against the pass and gave up 29 touchdown passes. Opponents completed 340 passes, second-most since the team was hatched in 1946.
Against the run, the Browns ranked 30th, 29th and 27th in Grantham’s three years.
So something had to change.
Acting on Grantham’s recommendations, the Browns even signed defensive end Robaire Smith and linebacker Antwan Peek in free agency last offseason, but while both players had their moments in ‘07, neither could save the coach’s job.
The defense played better toward the end, but maybe it was more the result of Crennel, who made his NFL reputation as a defensive coordinator, taking more of an active role in making the defensive calls. Crennel denies this, but until a better explanation comes along, it would seem entirely plausible.
If Tucker gets the job, his familiarity with the personnel would be helpful, although he would be an on-the-job trainee, having never been a coordinator at this level. Crennel offered no hints.
Tucker, who coached at Ohio State before joining the Browns, is considered one of the league’s rising stars among defensive assistants. Then again, at one time, that also could be said about Grantham.
Comments
By Jo Jo is Right
January 11, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
Well I think thisproves it. nobody gives a s#*# about the Browns. They remain the losers of Ohio.By Roscoe Shaw
January 11, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
Chuck Breshnahan would be a great hire. The Bengals let a good one get away, I would love to see my Brownies pick him up. The Bengals D was tough!By yep
January 12, 2008 12:04 AM | Link to this
Yep, the Browns are the losers of Ohio, Marvin Lewis and company are sure role models of how to build a team…hey wait, is that a bengal player in that mug shot? hang on i’ll be back…By TBill
January 12, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
Since Tucker has been doing the coaching of the def. backs, what the hell good will it do to put him in charge of it all? The D-backs did such a great job this season or what?? Great decision!