| Browns sign defensive coordinator to extension |
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| Written by Admin |
| Thursday, 14 June 2007 11:58 |
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BEREA, Ohio (AP) -Defensive coordinator Todd Grantham agreed to a two-year contract extension on Thursday with the Cleveland Browns, a deal that will keep him with the club through the 2009 season. Grantham joins coach Romeo Crennel and first-year offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, who also have deals through '09. ``We're excited about it,'' general manager Phil Savage said. ``It's another step toward continuity, and that's really what we're striving to get to. He's a terrific coach, and we think he has good upside and has potential to be a head coach in time.'' With Crennel considered a pivotal season after going 10-22 in his first two years, Grantham would be the front-runner to replace him, at least in an interim role. Grantham almost became a head coach last year when he was a finalist for the Michigan State job. ``Anytime an opportunity comes up, you want to evaluate them,'' Grantham said. ``That one was really tough for me. I'm very happy here and I think the future's very bright and a lot of positive things are coming in the near future.'' Grantham came to the Browns in 2005 to take his first coordinator job after working as a defensive line coach with the Houston Texans from 2002-04. He had never worked with Crennel, but had experience with the 3-4 scheme. ``Todd is a good young coach,'' Crennel said. ``He is thorough. He is on top of it. We get along good.'' The Browns suffered a number of injuries and ranked 27th in total defense in 2006, allowing 344.8 yards a game. The rushing defense was 29th (142.2 yards) and the passing defense 15th (202.6). The Browns ranked 22nd in scoring, allowing 22.3 points a game. ``I feel very fortunate,'' said Grantham, who praised owner Randy Lerner, Savage and Crennel. ``For them to have confidence in me means a lot.'' |
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