Detroit Lions new head coach, Jim Schwartz, has announced that rookie quarterback Matt Stafford will start Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. Stafford and veteran Daunte Culpepper had been battling all pre-season for the job. Swartz stated that Stafford won the job outright and not a case of Culpepper losing it.

“I was very pleased with what (Stafford) did in the preseason, going back to rookie minicamp and straight through,” Schwartz said. “I think he’s proven every step along the way that he’s ready.”

When asked if he was committed to the bumpy road ahead with a starting rookie QB. Schwartz said “This isn’t an internship, this isn’t a trial basis”. “He’s our starting quarterback.”

The decision to start Stafford is a risky one, but coming off an 0-16 season, what is there to lose? In fact, the decision should help rejuvenate the football club and give the Motor City fans something to be excited about this 2009 NFL football season.

Stafford was taken with the first pick of the April NFL draft by the Lions. Stafford and the Lions reached a contract agreement and tied the knot when Stafford signed a six-year, $72 million contract with the Lions.

Stafford’s first NFL start will come against the much improved New Orleans Saints, in New Orleans, on Sunday, September 13 2009 at 1:00 pm EST.

Eric Mangini, the former New York Jet coach, is reported to have had an outstanding interview with the front office of the Cleveland Browns.  He is now the favorite to become their next head coach.  The Browns wasted no time in their coaching search, after firing Romeo Crennel immediately after the 2008 NFL regular season.

If Mangini gets the job, sources intimate with the Browns internal affairs expect that George Kolinis, the director of pro personnel for the Baltimore Ravens, would become the team’s general manager.

Can “Man-Genius” turn Cleveland around?

For the first half of the 2008 season, Eric Mangini seemed a lock to sign a long term contract with the NY Jets.  But the collapse of the Jets at the end of the season caused the front office to find a scapegoat.  Managini became the sacrifical lamb.

The NY Jets fans, as all New York sports teams fans, are extremely demanding.  They become outspoken that it was time for a change. 

If the Browns do offer Mangini the coaching post, it is uncertain what will happen to the current Browns assistant coaches.

No decision has been made but sources say it will be Mangini!