JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Romeo Crennel, the longtime defensive coordinator of the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, is now head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
Crennel was offered the job by Browns President John Collins, who called him Sunday night shortly after the Pats beat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-21.
"I was excited about that," Crennel said. "I'm excited about the opportunity to work with them."
The 57-year-old Crennel succeeds Butch Davis, who resigned Nov. 30.
Crennel was expected to get a five-year contract in the $10 million to $12 million range, the Boston Globe reported.
Crennel, who began his coaching career with the New York Giants in 1981, served as the Browns'defensive coordinator in 2000. During his one year with the team, the Browns recorded 42 sacks, 17 more than the previous year.
The Browns had interviewed Crennel for the head job before Davis was hired in 2001.
