KOKINIS DEAL COMING, BUT WILL LERNER STOP THERE?

Browns coach Eric Mangini has indicated that Ravens director of pro personnel George Kokinis will soon be Cleveland’s new G.M., according to the Associated Press. Kokinis spent Monday and Tuesday meeting with Mangini and other team employees. Speaking at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards on Wednesday evening, Mangini told the crowd that the team “will have news in the very short future.” As we reported earlier in the day, Kokinis traveled to New York on Wednesday to meet with owner Randy Lerner. But once Kokinis is hired, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the work will be done. As Peter King suggested earlier this month (and as we mentioned in our most recent SportingNews.com item), Lerner could hire a Parcells-type overseer of the front office. It might be news to Mangini and/or Kokinis. But at least the 18 folks who were laid off by the team will know that their former salaries will be funding the compensation package for the position.