BEREA — Coach Eric Mangini said last week he expects to have input in the search for a new general manager. On Monday, he said he hadn’t talked to any candidates.

“No. What I’ve been focused on is the team and the things we need to do to improve the team,” he said. “That’s what I’ll continue to focus on.”

Former Packers and Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren is reportedly at the top of owner Randy Lerner’s wish list to run the football operations. Holmgren would be in charge of hiring a general manager — or doing the job himself — and evaluating the coach.

Mangini refused to answer any direct questions about Holmgren.

“I’m sure there’s been a range of names that have come up,” Mangini said. “I talk to Randy all the time about different things. My emphasis, my focus, is going to be on what we’re doing here day to day getting the team ready.”

“I don’t have anything to add to what I said before,” he said when asked again for his impressions of Holmgren.

Browns offensive lineman Floyd Womack played for the Seahawks from 2001-08, and Holmgren was the only NFL coach he’d known.

“I thought he did a pretty good job with the Seahawks,” Womack said. “I think wherever he’s been he had success.”
Holmgren held the coach and GM jobs for a time in Seattle, before being stripped of the GM duties. Womack thinks he could excel as the leader of the front office.

“If he comes to this organization, it would be a big help for us,” he said.

Mangini said speculation about new hires and his job security wouldn’t be a distraction for him, the coaches or the players.

“There’s so many things that come up during the course of the season,” he said. “It’s very important that you focus on what’s important.

“What’s important for us is what we’re doing on a daily basis and our preparation for the next opponent.”

‘King Kong’ promoted

Rookie outside linebacker Marcus Benard, who has the nickname King Kong, was promoted to the active roster from the practice squad. The 6-foot-2, 256-pounder from Jackson State was undrafted but opened some eyes in training camp.

“The thing that’s been consistent with him is his work ethic,” Mangini said. “You like to be able to always elevate off your practice squad. I’m happy for him.”

Benard, who had 16 sacks as a senior, found out when Mangini announced the transaction Monday during a team meeting. He got a standing ovation from his teammates.

“I was trying to keep my cool, keep my composure, act like I’ve been here before,” Benard said. “I was excited. It’s here, I get my chance.”

He isn’t guaranteed a spot on the 45-man game-day roster — Mangini said that will depend on his role on special teams — but could debut against the Ravens on “Monday Night Football.”

“When any kid dreams about football, he thinks about ‘Monday Night Football,’” Benard said. “I’m definitely going to call the family and tell them, ‘Make sure you watch.’”

Barton news today

Inside linebacker Eric Barton’s status for the remainder of the year should be known today, Mangini said. He underwent tests last week.

Barton had been playing with a sore neck, then left the game against the Bears on Nov. 1. ESPN.com reported last week he has a bulging disc between vertebrae and his season could be in jeopardy.

“I think we’ll have some real clarity,” Mangini said.

Outside linebackers David Bowens and Jason Trusnik and rookie inside linebackers Kaluka Maiava and David Veikune could all see playing time inside.

Black(out) Monday?

About 3,000 tickets remain unsold for Monday night’s game against the Ravens. If they aren’t sold by Friday night at 8:30, the game will be blacked out from being shown on local television. It would be the first game not televised locally since 1995.

The Browns are hopeful the tickets will sell out in time.

“We’re working diligently,” spokesman Neal Gulkis said. “Our goal is for the fans to be able to see the game locally.”

Even if the blackout is avoided this time, tickets remain for the games against San Diego (Dec. 6), Oakland (Dec. 27) and Jacksonville (Jan. 3). The Thursday night game against Pittsburgh on Dec. 10 is a sellout.

Extra points

The Browns have a spot open on the 53-man roster. Mangini said they will fill it after holding tryouts today.

Tight end Evan Moore and receiver Chris Williams were signed to the practice squad. Tight end Colin Cloherty was released from the practice squad. Moore (6-6, 247) had 103 catches at Stanford and spent last year on injured reserve with the Packers. Williams (5-8, 175), a rookie, is New Mexico State’s all-time leader with 3,555 receiving yards and 32 touchdown catches.

Running back Jamal Lewis returned to practice. He rested last week.

Mangini said all the players reported back from the weekend off on time.

Contact Scott Petrak at 329-7253 or spetrak@chroniclet.com.

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