Crennel headed to Cleveland

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel has accepted the job as head coach of the Cleveland Browns, pending the ability to work out a long-term contract. Sources close to the situation indicate thatshould be a foregone conclusion.

"I will be flying to Cleveland [tomorrow] to finalize that situation," Crennel said after the Patriots' 24-21 win over the Eagles last night in Super Bowl XXXIX.

Crennel's agent, Joe Linta, was scheduled to be in Cleveland today to negotiate with Browns general manager Phil Savage and president John Collins. Crennel is expected to receive a five-year deal in the range of $10 million-$12 million. While it appears Crennel won't haggle over money, sources close to the situation indicate Crennel and Linta have some minimum salary requirements that must be met.

The Browns were willing to wait for Crennel until after the Super Bowl, which has been highly unusual. Most teams are well underway with their roster evaluations and have begun draft preparations. One of Crennel's first tasks in Cleveland, besides assembling a coaching staff, would be the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis in two weeks.

Crennel said he was overcome with emotion after the game when he huddled with head coach Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, who is headed to Notre Dame. "That was the last time we were going to coach together," Crennel said. "It felt kind of different. A little strange, but if you have to go out a winner at the Super Bowl, that's a special feeling."

Said linebacker Mike Vrabel, "He is a man of integrity. We are going to miss him a lot. He has a lot of knowledge and knows how to get guys to play well for him."

Reports out of Dallas indicate that Crennel might seek permission to bring Cowboys offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon to Cleveland. Carthon cut his teeth in coaching with Bill Parcells in New England and has been offensive coordinator with the Lions, but he currently shares the role in Dallas with Sean Payton. Carthon, who according to Cowboys sources already has cleaned out much of his office, never has called his own plays, which has been detrimental in other job pursuits. But Crennel wants to run an offense similar to what the Patriots run. Crennel also might find a spot for Terry Robiskie, who was the Browns' offensive coordinator last season and was promoted to interim head coach after Butch Davis resigned in late November.Another developing story involves Patriots defensive backs coach Eric Mangini, whose contract has expired. League sources indicate Mangini could have as many as four suitors as a defensive coordinator, most notably the Patriots. Others include the 49ers, Dolphins, and Browns. Such competition could drive Mangini's yearly salary up to to $1 million. If Mangini doesn't go to Miami, linebackers coach Dean Pees could be Nick Saban's choice because Pees worked as Saban's defensive coordinator at Michigan State from 1995-97.

Fond farewell

It was expected to be an emotional ending for Weis and quarterback Tom Brady. Weis said, "It'll hit me pretty hard after the game. I've loved working here and being a part of this. I've enjoyed my time with Tom and watching him develop as one of the best in the game. Tom, I know, will go on to greater things."

Weis joined Belichick in 2000 and endured a 5-11 season with Drew Bledsoe at the helm. Brady was drafted in the sixth round (199th pick) that year at the urging of the late Dick Rehbein, who was the team's quarterbacks coach.

"It's been quite a ride," Weis said. "Tom understood what we were trying to do from the very beginning and he worked so hard at getting better. He still does. I've been tough on him the past few years, and he's so competitive that he responds to it. He's tough on himself. That's what makes him the player he is."

Wilson injured

The Patriots lost Eugene Wilson to a right arm injury in the second quarter on a kickoff return. Wilson was helped off the field and taken to the locker room for X-rays. He was replaced by rookie safety Dexter Reid . . . Tight end Daniel Graham left the game limping in the second quarter . . . Belichick wore his familiar gray hooded sweatshirt. He went to the wrong bench before the game and had to be directed to the opposite side . . . The Patriots are due to leave Jacksonville today at 1 p.m. and arrive at Logan Airport at 3:30 p.m. . . . Jim Miller was the third quarterback, leaving Rohan Davey as Brady's backup. No big surprises on the inactive list: receiver Kevin Kasper, cornerback Earthwind Moreland, running back Cedric Cobbs, offensive lineman Billy Yates, tight end Jed Weaver, and defensive linemen Marquise Hill and Ethan Kelley. The Eagles used Jeff Blake as their third quarterback (Koy Detmer was the backup), and running back Eric McCoo, cornerback Dexter Wynn, defensive end Jamaal Green, offensive tackles Trey Darilek and Ian Allen, wide receiver Billy McMullen, and defensive tackle Paul Grasmanis were inactive . . . Nose tackle Keith Traylor said after the game that he wants to play a 15th NFL season. one more year, ending talk of retirement. He's been a member of the last two teams to win back-to-back Super Bowl titles (also the 1998-99 Broncos), but said, "this was the most beautiful one."