The Browns removed former NFLer Bernie Kosar as their color analyst for preseason games on WKYC-NBC and "replaced him with veteran commentator Solomon Wilcots," according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland PLAIN DEALER. The move comes after Kosar "rankled Rams coach Jeff Fisher and others last summer with his harsh criticism during the Browns preseason opener Aug. 8th against the Rams." It was "an embarrassing episode for the Browns, and it spelled the beginning of the end for Kosar in the booth with play-by-play man Jim Donovan, where they had been together" since '06. The Browns and WKYC knew "there'd be a backlash" from the move and were "quick to point out that they're not turning their back" on Kosar. The Browns are "in discussions with Kosar on potential new roles, which could include" segments on ClevelandBrowns.com, Cleveland Browns Daily on WKNR-AM and the Browns Radio Network. Kosar also "could be part of the pregame telecasts for preseason games." Wilcots is a regular-season analyst for the NFL on CBS and a former Saints color commentator for preseason telecasts. He also "hosts a daily show on SiriusXM NFL Radio, and serves as a studio analyst for NFL Network" (CLEVELAND.com, 4/23). In Cleveland, Bill Livingston wrote, "Whatever job Kosar gets on the Browns' website or radio or some other team forum, I know I'll miss his insight, humor and frankness when he had the broadcast audience." Wilcots "might do a fine job," but he "won't have Kosar's background here, or his emotional resonance with the fans as the best player on the last teams that were consistent contenders" (CLEVELAND.com, 4/23).
