Newly Approved Browns Owner Haslam To Hire Banner As CEO

Incoming Browns Owner Jimmy Haslam III confirmed reports that he would hire former Eagles President Joe Banner as CEO and that current Browns President Mike Holmgren would leave the team at the end of the season. Speaking to reporters shortly after owners unanimously approved his purchase of the team, Haslam said no other personnel decisions would be made for the remainder of the season. As CEO, Banner will oversee football and business operations of the Browns. He does not own any equity in the team. His first day will be October 25, the day the $1.05B sale is expected to close.

Haslam made it clear he would have a very different approach to ownership than Randy Lerner, who did not live in Cleveland and was viewed by many in the city as detached. Haslam, who is from Tennessee, plans to buy a house in Cleveland and said he would be involved in all important decisions of the franchise.

Haslam still owns 12.5% of the Steelers, but said he expected to unwind the full position by the end of the year.