Just hours after taking over the Cleveland Browns, new owner Jimmy Haslam III has made some key changes.
Haslam's purchase of the Browns was unanimously approved this morning by NFL owners at a meeting in Chicago.
Haslam confirmed in an afternoon press conference that team president Mike Holmgren will retire at the end of this season, to be replaced by former Philadelphia Eagles president Joe Banner.
Haslam says Holmgren will help transition the team's operations to Banner, who will become the CEO of the team.
Haslam spent a reported $1 billion to purchase the Browns from now-former owner Randy Lerner.
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(Associated Press report)
CHICAGO (AP) -- The sale of the Cleveland Browns to Jimmy Haslam III has been unanimously approved by NFL owners.
Haslam bought the team from Randy Lerner for $1 billion, and the owners voted 32-0 Tuesday to approve the deal. Haslam, who built his fortune with Pilot Flying J truck stops, has been a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, but divested that stock to buy the Browns.
Haslam and Lerner agreed to the sale in August just as training camp was opening. Haslam has said his mission is to bring winning football back to Cleveland; the Browns have made the playoffs once since returning to the NFL in 1999.
