Holmgren spent the past two days in meetings with Mangini, who felt confident all along that he would be back despite signs that the team was planning to go in another direction.

Browns owner Randy Lerner did not attend any of the club’s final three games, and there were reports that Holmgren was already lining up possible replacements.

Instead, Holmgren elected continuity over a swift coaching purge. Mangini is Cleveland’s fourth coach since 1999.

In a statement released by the team, Holmgren said, "I'm happy to announce that Eric Mangini will return as head coach of the Cleveland Browns in 2010. Over the past few weeks Eric and I have had a chance to talk on a number of occasions including our meetings over the last two days.

"I was able to gain some tremendous insight into his thought process and philosophies, and came away from our meetings very impressed. In my opinion, Eric has gained the respect and admiration of players, coaches and others in the organization, and with him continuing to lead the team I feel that we are headed in the right direction.

"Working together, our goal is to build on the strong tradition of this franchise and help get the Browns back to the playoffs."

Although he and Mangini have differing offensive and defensive philosophies, Holmgren apparently found enough common ground to want to work with Mangini.

Mangini was granted a second season one day shy of his first anniversary with the Browns, who hired him on Jan. 8 last year.

"I want to thank Mike for the opportunity to not only meet with him and share my thoughts and vision on what it takes to lead a team," Mangini said in a statement. "But also to continue what we started here. I believe we made some real, tangible progress throughout the course of the season, culminating with wins in our final four games.

"I feel as though the culture and mindset that we established this year have laid the foundation for success in 2010 and beyond, and I'm looking forward to working with Mike and a general manager in making this happen. ..."

So it would appear the team's late-season surge and the vocal support of key players worked in Mangini's favor.

The next task will be hiring a G.M. who is compatible with both Holmgren and Mangini.

The Browns confirmed Seattle pro personnel director Will Lewis will interview to be that position. Lewis has a strong background with Holmgren, working with him in Green Bay and Seattle.

On Wednesday, Holmgren interviewed Philadelphia G.M. Tom Heckert. The team has been without a G.M. since George Kokinis was fired Nov. 2. ...

Also of interest. ... Josh Cribbs feels insulted by the Browns’ latest contract offer and on Thursday, he cleaned out his locker and said his good-byes.

Agent Peter Schaffer made it known that he gave the Browns until the end of business Wednesday to come up with a better deal than the $1.4 million per year they offered. Cribbs has three years remaining on a six-year, $6.77 million deal. Cribbs' camp contends the Browns failed to live up to previous promises they made to the dynamic return man with considerable offensive skills. Using that as a starting point, Schaffer said there is “no more middle ground” and that he is “extremely shocked” that Holmgren would not understand Cribbs’ value to the Browns.

On Tuesday, Holmgren said he had contact with Cribbs’ representatives when he was at home in Arizona. He intimated that he planned to take care of Cribbs, but only after fair negotiations.

Cribbs apparently doesn't see that happening.

"I said good-bye to some people on the medical staff, some of the equipment guys and the coaches," Cribbs told Cleveland Plain Dealer staffer Mary Kay Cabot this afternoon. "I wished the coaches luck and told them I hoped they kept their job. But it absolutely felt like the last time I'd be setting foot inside the building.

"I feel like it's over for me in Cleveland."

Cribbs added that he expects Holmgren to trade him during the offseason. "There's no way I'll play another down for the Browns without the new contract," he said. "They won't let me sit, because I have value. They'd be forced to trade me." We'll see about that.