Professor

http://www.ohio.com/sports/browns/13734852.html

Mel Tucker spent the past three years making the most of the Browns' young talent in the secondary. Now he'll try that on a grander scale.

As expected, coach Romeo Crennel named Tucker Cleveland's defensive coordinator Saturday. He succeeds Todd Grantham, who was fired Friday.

Tucker received a two-year contract extension through 2010.

Crennel promoted Cory Undlin to replace Tucker as the defensive backs coach. Undlin received a one-year contract extension and is signed through the 2009 season. Undlin spent the past three seasons working with the Browns secondary.

‘‘We are excited to have Mel as our defensive coordinator,’’ Crennel said in a statement. ‘‘He has a football plan, life plan, coaches the fundamentals and relates well with the players. I believe he will be successful in this new role.’’

A graduate of Cleveland Heights High School, Tucker was out of the country on vacation. In a statement, he thanked owner Randy Lerner, General Manager Phil Savage and Crennel for the opportunity with his hometown team.

Tucker, 36, takes over a defense that ranked 30th in the league last season and never has been rated higher than tied for 16th in Crennel's three-year tenure.

‘‘I'm looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead, and I'm confident with hard work we can improve our defense,’’ Tucker said. ‘‘We have a great group of players and my familiarity with them will be an asset.’’

In 2007, Tucker tutored young safeties Brodney Pool and Sean Jones and rookie cornerbacks Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald. Jones had a Pro Bowl-caliber season, Wright started 13 games, and he and nickel back McDonald tied for second on the team with 11 passes defensed.

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