Spanning the virtual globe to bring you the latest news about the Cleveland Browns and the NFL – these are your Daily Dawg Tags for Friday, Jan. 1.
Cleveland Browns:
Mike Pettine: Hard to justify keeping staff together
"Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine met with the media on Thursday and gave the first indication that there may be changes coming to the coaching staff in the offseason. When asked if he would consider sacrificing a member of the coaching staff as a condition of keeping his job past Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Pettine admitted that it may come to that."
Johnny Manziel ruled out for Sunday’s game
"The Cleveland Browns made what everyone already knew official on Thursday by announcing the quarterback Johnny Manziel has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This will be the second year in a row that Manziel will finish the season on the sidelines rather than on the field."
Joe Haden feeling like himself as recovery continues (clevelandbrowns.com)
"When the losses piled up and the frustration mounted, Joe Haden found his peace between the lines. That outlet was taken away from Haden in spurts throughout the first half of the season and completely vanished during the second half. The Browns Pro Bowl cornerback’s second concussion in a three-week span effectively put an end to his sixth NFL season. It already would have been a tough season for Haden to stomach. The elongated separation between Haden and his coaches, teammates and all of the fans in Cleveland only made it harder."
Johnny Manziel’s off-field issues remain paramount to Browns (ESPN)
"Mike Pettine discussed with blunt honesty the doubt about his future as well as the issues with Johnny Manziel, whose season will end with him sidelined due to a concussion. Pettine shrugged off the drama and incessant attention Manziel brings, saying it’s part of coaching to handle different personalities and drama. He did not, though, dismiss concerns that Manziel’s off-field life could very well affect the quarterback’s long-term football life."
Mitchell Schwartz would like to remain with the Browns (cleveland.com)
"Browns right tackle Mitchell Schwartz is enjoying the best season of his four-year career. In a “perfect world,” he would like to continue it here, but he also knows Sunday could mark his final game with the Browns."
NFL News:
Bills planning to cut Mario Williams in the offseason (NFL.com)
"Mario Williams is playing his final game in Buffalo on Sunday. The Associated Press reported Thursday that the Bills plan to cut the defensive end this offseason, per an unnamed source with direct knowledge of discussions."
NFL head coach candidates ready for hire after Black Monday (MMQB)
"Several NFL coaches will be fired after Week 17, and the search for their replacements will begin immediately. From Hue Jackson and Teryl Austin to Matt Patricia and Sean McDermott, here are 10 candidates ready to go."
Irsay says Pagano’s fate is not decided (indystar.com)
"Indianapolis Colts coach Chuck Pagano has no expectation of returning for another season, but owner Jim Irsay made an emphatic statement Thursday after a report said Pagano’s fate had already been decided."