The Cleveland Browns have fired head coach Eric Mangini, the team announced.

Hired in 2009, Mangini lead the Browns to back-to-back 5-11 seasons.

The Browns named Mike Holmgren late last season, which immediately put Mangini on the hot seat. A four-game winning streak at the end of 2009 likely prevented Mangini from being a one-and-done coach.

"This decision was not easy for me, and it was one into which I put a great deal of thought," Browns president Mike Holmgren said in a statement released by the team on Monday morning. "Although we have made improvements this season, my responsibility is to ensure that we establish a program that will allow this team to compete at a championship level. That will continue to be our goal in everything we do. I want to thank Eric for all of his contributions to the Cleveland Browns, and wish him and his family the best of luck in the future."

Many in the NFL believe that Holmgren will move from the front office to the sidelines and resume his 17-year head coaching career that has included 161 wins, 12 playoff appearances, and a Super Bowl title in 1996.