Mangini fired by Browns

BEREA, Ohio, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Coach Eric Mangini, whose teams went 10-22 the last two seasons, was fired Monday by the Cleveland Browns.

Team officials made the announcement one day after the Browns were beaten 41-9 by the Pittsburgh Steelers to finished 5-11 this season. It was Cleveland's fourth straight loss and completed the eighth consecutive season the Browns failed to qualify for the playoffs.

"Although we have made improvements this season, my responsibility is to ensure that we establish a program that will allow this team to compete at a championship level," said Mike Holmgren, who runs football operations for the Browns.

"That will continue to be our goal in everything we do. I want to thank Eric for all of his contributions to the Cleveland Browns, and wish him and his family the best of luck in the future."

Mangini said in a statement that he believed the team was "headed in a very positive direction."

Mangini took over the Browns prior to the 2009 season. The team won its final four games that season and finished 5-11.

Mangini previously coached the New York Jets for three seasons. The Jets went 10-6 his first season but were 4-12 in 2007 and lost four of their last five games in 2008 to go 9-7 and miss the playoffs, which cost Mangini that job.