Report: Browns considering Schottenheimer

The losses keep mounting for the Cleveland Browns, which, according to sources, may lead to the return of Marty Schottenheimer as head coach next season.

The Tennessee Titans defeated the Browns, 28-9, yesterday to grab the AFC South title for the first time since 2002. It was the third straight loss for the Browns (4-9), who visit Lincoln Financial Field to play the Eagles next Monday night.

ESPN.com reported that sources have said that current Browns coach Romeo Crennell will be fired after the season.

Sources told the Web site that Schottenheimer would consider returning as head coach. The sources also said that the Browns may consider former Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher if he shows a willingness to return to football.

Schottenheimer, 65, was head coach at San Diego from 2002-06 where he compiled a 47-33 record before being fired in February 2007. He was the Browns' defensive coordinator under Sam Rutigliano in 1980 but took over as head coach when Rutigliano was fired midway through the 1984 season. Schottenheimer had a 44-27 record with the Browns from 1984-88. He won three divisional titles, had four playoff appearances and two AFC Championship Game appearances before he was fired by owner Art Modell.

In his 21-year career as head coach at Cleveland, Kansas City, Washington and San Diego, he is 200-126-1.

Yesterday, Kerry Collins (14-for-23, 155 yards) threw two touchdowns, and Chris Johnson ran for 136 yards and a score to lead the Titans.

The Titans have won 15 of their last 16 games, and are the first team to secure a postseason berth this year. They maintained at least a two-game lead with three to play for homefield advantage in the AFC playoffs and clinched a first-round bye when San Francisco beat the New York Jets, 24-14, yesterday. *