Davis Quits Miami to Coach Browns
B E R E A, Ohio, Jan. 30 -- Butch Davis rebuilt a once-proud footballprogram in shambles at the University of Miami. Now, he'll have achance to do the same thing for the Cleveland Browns.
Davis, who in six years brought the Hurricanes back from ruin tonational title contenders, resigned Monday to become head coach ofthe Browns.
Davis will be introduced today at the club's suburbantraining facility, Browns president Carmen Policy said.
Deal Could Be Worth $15 Million
The Browns have been looking for a coach since Jan. 11, whenthey fired Chris Palmer after a disturbing and injury-ravaged 3-13season.
Davis' agent, Marvin Demoff, said after arriving in Clevelandthat his client had not yet signed a contract with the Browns butthe sides were "in serious discussions. It's pretty close."
An NFL source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, saidDavis was seeking a five-year deal in the $13-15 million range.
Kansas City recently signed Dick Vermeil to a comparablethree-year, $10 million contract.
"He's a solid coach and a great pick," said Browns guard JimPyne. "He's a high-energy guy who has a lot of enthusiasm andfire. He's a tough disciplinarian and that can only help a youngteam. I'm really happy he's coming."
Davis Turned Around Miami
The Browns had one of the league's youngest rosters last season,and Policy had hoped to hire a coach who could relate to youngplayers. Davis was tough but popular with his teams at Miami.
For weeks, Davis denied he would leave Miami, where he inheriteda program racked by scandal and under NCAA sanctions in 1995. Hehad been working on a contract extension with the university.
The Browns also denied having had a secret meeting with Davis inFlorida.
But something made Davis change his mind about Cleveland, andmoney could be one of the biggest reasons.
Davis' contract with Miami paid him $900,000 annually and theschool's new five-year offer was said to be worth about $1.3million a year.
Related Stories
ABC News Live