Davis Quits Miami to Coach Browns

B E R E A, Ohio, Jan. 30, 2001 -- 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.

Palmer made about $1 million a year with Cleveland and, when hewas dismissed, the team made it clear that billionaire owner AlLerner wanted to pay him for the three remaining years on hiscontract and then some.

Davis told the Hurricanes' players of his decision Mondaymorning. His departure comes at a difficult time for the schoolwith just one week left before the end of the college signingperiod.

"I'm disappointed," said Miami athletic director Paul Dee. "Ithink coach Davis had a lot to give UM and I'm pleased at thesuccess we had."

Coker Replaces Davis in Miami

Dee chose offensive coordinator Larry Coker as interim headcoach.

Just last week, the Browns said they were focusing their searchon NFL assistants, all but ruling out the possibility of hiringDavis, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops or Washington coach RickNeuheisel.

Lerner even shot down reports Davis was coming to Cleveland,saying, "There is no Butch Davis."

Well, he's now the Browns' 10th full-time coach in club historyand second in three years.

The 49-year-old Davis, who interviewed for the expansion HoustonTexans' head coaching job, had reportedly lost interest in pursuinga job with the Browns because he would not have full control offootball operations in Cleveland.

Dwight Clark is in charge of personnel decisions with theBrowns, but Davis' hiring could indicate a reshuffling in theteam's front office.

Marvin Lewis Could Head to Buffalo

The Browns' coaching search is ending just when it seemed to bepicking up steam. The club was set to speak with Super Bowldefensive coordinators Marvin Lewis of Baltimore and John Fox ofthe Giants this week. Both coaches had scheduled visits toCleveland.

"It's a little bit discouraging," Fox said. "The rules dopenalize guys that make it to the Super Bowl."

The Browns interviewed three assistants last week, includingdefensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, but were thought to be leaningtoward Lewis, now the front-runner to replace Wade Phillips inBuffalo.

Davis turned around Miami's troubled program after it was hitwith numerous NCAA violations that stripped the school ofscholarships and banned the 'Canes from bowl appearances.

This season, Davis led Miami to an 11-1 record and a 37-20 routof Florida in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 2.

Davis, known as a strict disciplinarian, also served as adefensive assistant coach, then coordinator for Dallas under JimmyJohnson from 1989-94, when the Cowboys won two Super Bowls.

Davis inherits a team that went 5-27 in its first two years backin the league.

The Browns ranked near the bottom of the league in moststatistical categories in 1999 and 2000. They were shut out fourtimes last season in losing 12 of their last 13 games.