Browns end brief, nightmare relationship with Garcia

During the exhibition season, the 34-year-old complained that he wasn't getting enough playing time and that he was having trouble adjusting to new teammates and a new offense. Garcia made things worse by openly criticizing Davis and offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie, complaining that they weren't using him properly.

At one point, Davis called Garcia "skittish" in the pocket, a comment that angered the quarterback and expanded the rift between them.

After rallying the Browns to beat Baltimore in Week 1, Garcia threw three interceptions the next week in a loss at Dallas and recorded a 0.0 quarterback rating -- only the fifth NFL quarterback since 1970 to do so.

While Garcia took the brunt of the criticism, it wasn't all his fault. He lost his top offensive weapon when rookie tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. broke his leg in Week 2. Also, the Browns were ravaged by injuries to key players, particularly on the offensive line.

Garcia, who will turn 35 on Feb. 24, had to deal with two injuries of his own. He strained his shoulder on a sack against the New York Jets on Nov. 21 and tore a knee ligament on Dec. 12 in Buffalo.

Offseason distractions further strained Garcia's relationship with the Browns and Cleveland fans. Garcia had to testify in a trial for his girlfriend, a Playboy Playmate, who was accused of karate-kicking one of Garcia's ex-girlfriends during a fight at a downtown nightclub.

With Garcia gone, the Browns will likely try to re-sign Holcomb, who is eligible for free agency, or trade for a veteran quarterback. The team also has the No. 3 pick in April's NFL draft, although it is unlikely they would want to start over with a rookie QB.

"I think Kelly would like to come back to the Cleveland Browns," general manager Phil Savage said, "and I think the feeling is mutual."

Meanwhile, Robiskie, who went 1-4 as Cleveland's interim coach after Davis quit, will stay with the Browns as wide receivers coach. That was his position for three seasons before being named offensive coordinator last year.

Crennel also named Jeff Davidson his offensive line coach and will retain Jerry Rosburg as Cleveland's special teams coach. Davidson has spent the past eight seasons with New England. Rosburg has been with the Browns since 2001.