UPDATE: The official press release was sent out this morning at 9:30AM. It reads as follows:
The Cleveland Browns have accepted the resignation of offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon, the club announced this morning. Carthon was originally hired by the Browns on Feb. 13, 2005, and had served as the club’s offensive coordinator the last two seasons. Carthon, who played eight seasons in the NFL, also had 13 years of NFL coaching experience and had previously served as offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys (2003-04) and Detroit Lions (2002).
The Browns will have a media availability with Head Coach Romeo Crennel this afternoon beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Television news reports on Cleveland this evening indicate that offensive coordinator Mo Carthon has been relieved of his duties. The report from Jim Donovan is that team owner Randy Lerner and General Manager Phil Savage were in Berea today and met with Romeo Crennel after the head coach's news conference at 11:30AM.
Carthon has a long history with Crennel and the team's head coach has steadfastly defended his offensive coordinator, eroding his own support among fans as he did so.
Jeff Davidson, the offensive line coach who was promoted to assistant head coach during the off-season, will reportedly take over Carthon's role.
Under Carthon, the Browns offense was rated last in the league during 2005 and was among the poorest in the league this season in both points scored and total yards. Players like Trent Dilfer and Kellen Winslow had expressed, with varying measures of candor, their displeasure with Carthon's approach to the offense.