COACHING HOT SEAT Browns circle around Butch
The team released a somewhat ambiguous release supporting the coach.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Butch Davis still has his job -- for now.
Amid speculation that he's about to be fired, Cleveland's beleaguered coach went to work Tuesday to begin preparing for this week's game against the Cincinnati Bengals as if everything were normal.
As usual, with the Browns, it's anything but.
Davis has been under intense pressure to show improvement with the Browns (3-7), who are scuffling through a four-game losing streak in another season scarred by injuries and controversy.
His dismissal seemed imminent, with reports saying owner Randy Lerner had contemplated firing him Sunday night following the club's 10-7 loss to the New York Jets. Lerner has been increasingly upset with the team's record and the Browns' slide into last place in the AFC North.
Are not
In response to the speculation, the team issued a statement Tuesday saying it was not planning any changes.
"The Cleveland Browns organization is acutely aware of our fans' passion and share in their desire for a championship team. We acknowledge the disappointment and frustration with this season's record," it said.
"We reiterate that we are keeping our organization intact in order to focus our efforts toward winning our remaining football games."
It's unclear if "intact" meant for the rest of the season, with Davis, or if Lerner will make a move over the next six weeks.
Lerner, who has overhauled his front office this year, was in New York. He was expected to be at the team's headquarters in Berea today.
Browns president John Collins did not return a phone message seeking comment.
Changes imminent
Whether he decides to keep Davis beyond next week, next month or next season, Lerner will likely hire a general manager in the off-season. Davis, who still has three years remaining on his contract, coaches and oversees operations.
The Browns are 24-35, including a playoff loss in 2002, under Davis. The team has again been ravaged by injuries and keep losing close games, a trend that Davis hasn't been able to stop since taking over in 2001.
Calls to Davis' office on Tuesday were redirected to the club's media relations staff.
"Whatever is going to happen will happen," Davis said on Monday. "I feel that this team would be a totally different team if it was a healthy team."
Some of the problems
Quarterback Jeff Garcia, signed as a free agent in March, has struggled while learning a new offense and has had to cope with the team losing several key starters to injuries, including rookie tight end Kellen Winslow Jr.
Garcia has also been critical of Cleveland's offensive line and he took exception to Davis calling him "skittish" earlier this season.
Garcia sprained the rotator cuff in his right (throwing) shoulder as the Browns lost for the fifth time in six games on Sunday and may miss this week's game. Davis could decide to start rookie Luke McCown over backup Kelly Holcomb, who couldn't spark the Browns last week after Garcia got hurt.
McCown, a fourth-round selection from Louisiana Tech, played well in exhibition games. Davis may be reluctant to put McCown behind an offensive line missing two starters on the right side, but Davis may not have much time left to show Lerner and Cleveland fans that his plan is working.