Reports of changes surrounding the Cleveland Browns continue to surface with Jimmy Haslam taking over ownership of the team. With Joe Banner expected to join Haslam's front office, presumably as team president, current president Mike Holmgren and his general manager Tom Heckert could be on their way out.
According to CBSSports.com's Clark Judge, sources are telling him that big changes are likely on the way:
2 league sources confirmed Banner in Cle as team prez. Said Holmgren, Heckert probably gone. Said 1: "They're going to blow whole place up."
— Clark Judge (@ClarkJudgeCBS) August 3, 2012
While Banner's inclusion in the new ownership regime would seem to put Holmgren's status in jeopardy, much less in known when it comes to Heckert. Both Banner and Heckert worked together in Philadelphia and many presumed the two could partner up again in Cleveland. Judge's sources, however, seem to think that's not the case.
Expectations for the Browns' season are low with inexperienced rookies Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson being relied on at quarterback and running back, respectively. The state of the current team gives Haslam a chance to make an immediate mark on the team by making big changes to the organization. Next in line may be coach Pat Shurmur unless the Browns can get off to a strong start.
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