Cleveland Browns await fresh start under new owner – NFL Feature
The Cleveland Browns are sold in a billion dollar deal. Truck-stop magnate Jimmy Haslam is the new owner, who will be formally in complete control of the team’s affairs from next season, although he has been observing and acting to a limited extent, already.
His first appointment was of chief executive officer Joe Banner. The official is mandated with the task of rebuilding, which he kicked off with ousting of President Mike Holmgren. It is pertinent to note Holmgren was not sacked but eased himself out at expiry
of his contract with the Browns.
Banner at the time of his arrival in Cleveland sounded very clear that he was there to take some decisions, even if they were too harsh to adjust with for some officials. He made it clear that Haslam’s era had started, and he would ensure his authority prevails
across the board.
Although Haslam has started taking practical interest in his team, there is a question if he will be able to commit his loyalties to his team. He is a boasted diehard Pittsburgh Steelers’ fan. Also, he is a minority shareholder in the Steelers. This question
gained prominence when the Browns beat Steelers in a home game in the regular season.
The Steelers-Brown rivalry is famous in the American Football Conference (AFC) North division. Now in a game between the two sides, who Haslam will be supporting?
Although the owner himself has not come up with a clarification, one perspective is that he will not be a loser at all. In one way, he owns both teams. And will be a winner on one hand, and lose on the other.
The owner is apparently focused on the Browns, at present at least. His team is not in an ideal position. The side needs overhauling as much as any other team in the league. This is where he is focusing. He has observed his coach, general manager and other
officials. He also had meetings with them.
Most importantly, he sounded to be clearer that he was not satisfied with the team’s performance. Although he has not particularly pointed out at performances of each official, he is clearly not content with them. As a matter of fact, he during one of media
call invited attention of the team officials to come out with their respective personal views of the team’s performance.
As far as the offseason is concerned this is for sure that the Browns are heading for a transition phase. It is not clear at present how big changes are going to be in the front office, coaching department and also in the squad. The CEO is apparently in
a due diligence process, and might be advising the owner on a regular basis.
It is also difficult to ascertain the scope of changes at present the owner intends to introduce. It will largely depend upon the goals and targets he has in his mind. Also, the level of financial commitments is an important factor in the overhauling of
the team. He will need to make some urgent investment in the quality of the talent if he needs to see the team transformed in a shorter term.
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