“As you
know there has been enormous speculation in recent weeks regarding my current
and future status as the Head Coach of the Cleveland Browns. This intense
pressure and scrutiny has caused considerable turmoil and distractions within
the team, coaching staff, and organization that had an adverse effect on the
team.
The
criticism and frustration with lack of success on Sundays has made it
necessary for the Cleveland Browns ownership, management, and myself to move
in different directions. Instead of the focus each week being specifically on
my job, this will allow the team to focus on the games and the management to
focus and create a new beginning in personnel as well as coaching.
I accept
responsibility for the mistakes that we have made, but it was my and my
staff's intention to do everything we could to lay the foundation and build a
team that could win a Super Bowl. I hope that some of the decisions we have
made will be a part of a brighter future for the Browns organization.
My future
is clear for the moment. I intend to spend significant time with my wife and
son. They have made the ultimate sacrifices as a family with my commitments
as a head coach. This will give me an opportunity to re-connect with my
family.
I have no
immediate plans to stay in coaching. I love football. I love the
relationship with the players and coaches.
I want to
personally thank the Lerner family for this opportunity and wish them the best
for the future. I want to publicly thank the players for all their hard work
and sacrifices, a terrific coaching staff that worked tirelessly to be good
teachers and coaches and to help bring a winner to this city. Thanks also to
our tremendous football support staff for all of their hard work and
dedication. I'd like to thank the fans. It was always my and our coaching
staff's intention to build a first-class organization and a team that everyone
who cares about the Cleveland Browns would love and respect.”