The Randy Lerner Interview

From the PD

Q: Is this a make-or-break year for coach Romeo Crennel?

A: I think it's more of a make-or-break year for me. Ownership is not a birthright. It's a performance-based privilege just like anything else. If I don't perform, then why own it? The only thing I want to do is win. I don't know how to not consider losing as a threat to my job. If I don't consider it a threat to my job, then I have converted it to a birthright. And that I'm not going to do.

Q: It was reported on NFL Network that you told General Manager Phil Savage he had to draft a quarterback. True or false?

A: I'd say it's somewhere between preposterous and ludicrous.

Q: What role will you have in the draft?

A: I'll have no voice in who we draft.

Q: Phil Savage was almost ousted after his first season, yet seems in great standing after a 4-12 season. Why is that?

A: I think Phil's done a great job. He's recognized, along with other people in the building, what it is we needed to address immediately following the season, and he's brought our organization together to do that. We communicate well and talk every day.