BEREA, Ohio (AP) – Browns coach Eric Mangini joked that he expects a “firm and brisk” handshake this week after he faces one of his mentors, New England’s Bill Belichick.
Once close friends, Mangini and Belichick had a falling out, a rift that included Mangini leaving Belichick’s staff to coach in New York and the infamous “Spygate” affair when Mangini accused the Patriots of videotaping the Jets’ defensive signals during the 2007 season opener.
Mangini said Belichick has been important to him and his family and he hopes time can heal any differences.
Belichick gave Mangini his first NFL coaching job, plucking him from the Browns’ public relations department.
The two will renew their rivalry Sunday when the Browns (2-5) host the Patriots (6-1).
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