Cleveland Browns hire New York Mets’ Paul DePodesta

The Cleveland Browns have hired Paul DePodesta as their new executive vice-president.

This is a surprise. And yet, when you consider that it’s the Cleveland Browns, it all of a sudden makes so much sense. Continuing with their unconventional methods, the Browns have hired Paul DePodesta to be the team’s chief strategy officer. The Browns have been the laughing stock of the league since they returned to the NFL in 1999.

Since their return, the Browns have only had two winning seasons and have not made the playoffs. The biggest indictment on Cleveland is their personnel choices, both in terms of coaching, drafting and behind the scenes positions. This is another one of those type of appointments, and like many previous decisions, could blow up in their face.

DePodesta will be above newly hired Executive Vice President of Football Operations Sashi Brown in the organizational hierarchy and will report to Haslem and team president Alec Scheiner, per Joel Sherman.

The Browns are still searching for a general manager and head coach after the firings of Ray Farmer and Mike Pettine after a disappointing 3-13 season. Owner Jimmy Haslam, was however, very positive about their new addition:

"“We are fortunate to bring in Paul, an extremely talented, highly respected sports executive who will add a critical dimension to our front office. His approach and ambition to find the best pathways for organizational success transcend one specific sport and his experience as a high level sports executive make him a terrific addition to the Cleveland Browns.”"

How DePodesta performs in his new role is yet to be seen, and while he has significant success in the world of baseball, his lack of football experience will be a concern.