BEREA, Ohio – Mike Pettine probably knew this scenario would unfold from the night the Browns drafted Johnny Manziel 20 months ago.
The first-time head coach was like the dad of college-age daughters who bought a tidy beachfront condo only to see Charlie Sheen move in next door. It's been one worry after another even as Pettine's playboy quarterback has made undeniable on-field progress under his reconfigured coaching staff.
For much of their time together, Pettine has controlled the fate of Manziel. Now, as the coach makes a case to keep his job in the throes of a 3-10 season, the roles are reversed.