Why the Browns Canned Todd Grantham

Today's Akron Beacon Journal sheds some light on why the Cleveland Browns and defensive coordinator Todd Grantham parted ways (other than, you know, the Browns' atrocious defense the past few years). Oddly, the team gave Grantham a two-year extension last off-season only to fire him seven months later.

Apparently, problems surfaced during Cleveland's October 21 bye week when there was talk that Romeo Crennel could take over the defensive play-calling duties. A welcome change for Browns fans, no doubt, but it wouldn't have done much for Grantham's confidence. It gets weirder, though. Two days ago, before Grantham was canned, the Orange and Brown Report had this:

And just what was the genesis of the problems between Crennel and Grantham? According to several players, none of whom would speak on the record, Grantham "schemed behind RAC's back" in an effort to get him fired before the bye so that he could take over as the interim head coach and, possibly, secure the position for years to come.

Additionally, there were "scheme and personnel issues" between not only Grantham and Crennel, but between Grantham and players on the defensive side of the ball. In particular, veterans have been exasperated over Grantham's unwillingness to even listen to input on various defensive issues.

Wow. It's important to keep in mind that OBR cites unnamed sources, but given how this thing has played out, the accounts certainly seem feasible. Ironically, instead of getting the ax, Crennel led the Browns to a 10-6 record and got a new deal out of it. If you're Grantham, I think that qualifies as a plan "blowing up in your face." Good luck finding a job, buddy.

As far as Grantham's replacement, it looks like defensive backs coach Mel Tucker will be promoted to defensive coordinator. Tucker grew up in Cleveland, and was the defensive coordinator at Ohio State before joining the Browns in 2005.