Cleveland Browns sack head coach Mike Pettine

Cleveland Browns have sacked head coach Mike Pettine just hours after the end of the NFL regular season ended.

Following the departure of Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly last week, 49-year-old Pettine became the first post regular season casualty after they wrapped up another disappointing NFL campaign with defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pettine's departure, confirmed by the club in an open letter to fans from owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, has also been made in conjunction with that of general manager Ray Farmer.

The 28-12 home defeat dropped the Browns to 3-13 for the season and ensured they finished bottom of the American Football Conference North.

And the open letter read: "It was important to us that we communicate directly with you regarding our decision to part ways with General Manager Ray Farmer and Head Coach Mike Pettine.

"We've made this difficult decision because we don't believe our football team and football operations were positioned well for the future.

"We are all disappointed with where we are and clearly understand your frustrations. We take full responsibility and understand you expect better from us."

Pettine had admitted following defeat to the Steelers that he did not know whether he would keep his job saying: "I'm not into pleading. I feel like we've done a lot of good things, but I'm the first one to tell you - and you've heard me say it a million times - this is a pass/fail league, and the results aren't there."

San Francisco 49ers became the third team to part with their head coach, Jim Tomsula sacked after just one season in the role as the NFL prepares for Black Monday, the annual cull of head coaches after seasons of disappointment.