Tony Dejak / AP

Former Browns coach Romeo Crennel went 0-8 against the archrival Steelers and just 5-18 inside the AFC North.

Lerner is determined to get his next round of hirings right. He feels responsible for the failures of Savage and Crennel, who were both new to their positions when they were hired in 2005. He doesn’t consider the past four years a waste and feels the Browns can attract talent despite their troubles.

“I would like to think we are a more compelling organization to come be a part of than we were four years ago,” he said.

Crennel went 24-40 in four seasons with the Browns, who entered 2008 with huge expectations but collapsed amid injuries to quarterbacks Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson; dropped passes by wide receiver Braylon Edwards; and uneven play on offense and defense. Cleveland didn’t score an offensive touchdown while losing its last six games.

“This has been a crazy year, starting with the injuries,” said Pro Bowl tackle Joe Thomas. “It seems like every bit of adversity you could possibly have happened to us. It felt like it was one thing after the other.”

Although Crennel’s dismissal was expected, Lerner waited until after the season out of respect for the 61-year-old coach and former defensive coordinator.

“Romeo was a gentleman through and through,” said Lerner, who met with the coach Monday morning. “He was gracious to a fault.”

Crennel told Lerner he may be willing to stay with the team in another coaching capacity.

Crennel, who came to Cleveland after winning five Super Bowl rings, was genuinely respected by the Browns, who referred to him as RAC (Rack) — his initials — and were disappointed they didn’t play better for him. Quinn admired the way Crennel handled talk of his departure.

“I think it says a lot about someone when they’re going through adversity who continues to do their job,” he said. “To me, as well as the rest of the guys on the team, that really said a lot about coach Crennel and who he is.”

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