by Jay Glazer

Remember earlier Monday, I reported that several sources told FOXSports.com that Kokinis was escorted from team headquarters at some point that day? It turns out the reason was, as two sources said, due to Kokinis' firing.

The team issued a statement late Monday saying that Kokinis "is no longer actively involved with the organization." The Browns also denied that he was escorted out of the building, but said they wouldn't comment further.

One source told FOXSports.com that Kokinis was fired "with cause," which often means a team will attempt to get out of paying the employee his full remaining salary. Kokinis is highly regarded in league circles, but many warned that his marriage with uber control freak Eric Mangini was bound to fail.

However, failing after less than a season may have seemed like a stretch.

This all went down one day after owner Randy Lerner said he was "sick" of losing but also said he would not fire head coach Eric Mangini this week, the team's bye week. The Browns are 1-7.

Mangini said he would welcome anyone who could help the Browns get better.

"If you can add quality people that can help you get better, then you do that," he said. "You're always searching for those opportunities."

Lerner had recently brought in former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar to serve in an unspecified consulting role.

Kokinis was hired as GM in January of this year after serving as director of pro personnel for the Ravens the last six years.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.