PITTSBURGH -- The Phil Savage era as Browns general manager is over.

Shortly after the Browns completed a 4-12 season with a 31-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Browns confirmed Sunday that Savage was fired.

Owner Randy Lerner made the decision before the game. A source said the decision was based on problems with Savage's communication and leadership skills.

Lerner is hoping to recruit former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher or New England vice president Scott Pioli to head his revamped football operation.

By virture of New England's elimination from the playoffs despite an 11-5 record, Pioli is available to be interviewed immediately. According to a source, Lerner was absent from the game because he was lining up a busy schedule of interviews this week.

He is expected to meet face-to-face this week with Cowher, who has been telling everyone that he does not intend to return to coaching in 2009.

Lerner also could do personal interviews with a couple of NFL assistant coaches to comply with the league's mandate to interview at least one minority for a head coaching vacancy. The Browns may interview Buffalo defensive coordinator Perry Fewell and Washington defensive coordinator Greg Blache.

The Browns also want to interview New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo in the "window" allotted by the NFL with the Giants on a postseason bye week.

In May, Savage agreed to a three-year contract extension through 2012.

Savage had a more tumultuous year than his team in 2008.

He made several public comments that applied pressure on his coaching staff, got involved in a messy spat with tight end Kellen Winslow over a suspension that ultimately was rescinded, and responded to a disgruntled fan in an e-mail that contained an expletive.

In four years with Savage as general manager, the Browns were 24-40. The team was 25-40 with one playoff appearance in the four years prior to Savage.