Reports: Browns fire GM George Kokinis; he was handpicked by coach Eric Mangini

BEREA, Ohio - Several reports say Cleveland Browns general manager George Kokinis has been fired by the 1-7 team.

Citing unnamed league sources, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and WKYC-TV in Cleveland say Kokinis was escorted out of the Browns' headquarters by security on Monday. Team spokesman Neal Gulkis says the team could not confirm the reports.

Kokinis was hired in January, just two weeks after the team named Eric Mangini as its fourth coach since 1999.

Following the Browns' 30-6 loss in Chicago on Sunday, Browns owner Randy Lerner said he would not fire Mangini during the team's bye week.

Before joining the Browns, Kokinis spent 18 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. He spent the final six years as the team's director of pro personnel.