Mangini happy with Browns’ progress

BEREA (AP) — Browns coach Eric Mangini has yet to discuss his future with new team president Mike Holmgren.

With one game left in the season, Mangini’s status with Cleveland remains unclear as Holmgren assumes control of the Browns’ football operations. Mangini said he spoke with Holmgren several times last week but the talks were not about “big-picture stuff” or what could transpire in the offseason.

“That wasn’t where I was going and that wasn’t where he was going,” Mangini said Monday. “I think he appreciates as much as anybody being able to focus on the task at hand and that’s what I’ve been doing and that’s what I’ll continue to do.”

Mangini is ending his first season with Cleveland on a positive note as the Browns (4-11) have reeled off three straight wins, matching their longest winning streak since returning to the league as an expansion team in 1999. The surprising surge has added some intrigue to Holmgren’s impending arrival.

Mangini said he’s comfortable with whatever decision is made by Holmgren, the former Green Bay and Seattle coach who could retain Mangini or choose to bring in his own head coach.

“It’s not being arrogant or flippant or any of that stuff, but I believe in the things that we do,” Mangini said. “I believe in the people we are committed to. I believe in the type of players that we draft. I believe in disciplined football. I believe in smart football and I believe in certain core things that I know win. I know they win games and I know they win championships.

“I will be comfortable with whatever the result is. Anything that happens, I can be comfortable with because of the way we’ve approached things.”