News briefs: Belichick to take bigger role in defensive planning

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick will take a larger role in overseeing the defense and not hire a coordinator to replace Dean Pees.

"Titles are fine, nothing wrong with them," Belichick said in a statement on the team website Friday, "but the most important thing is each person's role, that we do everything we can to help the players succeed, everyone collectively getting the job done."

Pees announced he would not seek a new contract as defensive coordinator four days after the Patriots lost 33-14 to the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the playoffs last month. His four-year deal expired at the end of January.

The Patriots hired Corwin Brown as a defensive coach on Jan. 29. He spent the past three seasons as defensive coordinator at Notre Dame.

"Corwin Brown is one of the high-class people in football," Belichick said. "He was a tough, smart leader who was great to coach and those are the traits he brings to our staff."

Belichick was defensive coordinator for the New York Giants from 1985-90 and for New England in 1996. He called defensive signals for the New York Jets from 1997-99 before becoming coach of the Patriots in 2000. Full story

Browns won't raise tickets prices

CLEVELAND -- Cleveland is holding the line on season ticket prices.

The team announced Friday it will not raise the price of season tickets -- already among the league's lowest -- for next season. The Browns have kept their prices unchanged five times in the past seven years and said the cost of some seats for next season will be lower than in 2009.

The team also will make season tickets available in a family friendly, alcohol-free area of Cleveland Browns Stadium.

The Browns, who finished 5-11 in their first year under coach Eric Mangini, will host Atlanta, Carolina, Kansas City, New England, the New York Jets, and AFC North rivals Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Cincinnati.