CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns are set to introduce their new general manager, Andrew Berry at team headquarters this morning.
After weeks of searching for and interviewing candidates, the Browns officially announced Tuesday that Berry, a former member of the front office from 2016-2018, 32, is now the youngest general manager in National Football League history.
“I’m honored and blessed to lead the football operations of the Cleveland Browns," Berry said in a release announcing the move. “I’m appreciative of the Haslam family for entrusting me to be a steward of a franchise that is so rich in tradition and history.”
Click here to watch the Browns’ live stream of Berry’s introductory press conference.
Berry takes over the control of a franchise that has known nothing but change since the Haslams purchased a controlling stake in the Browns in 2012.
After parting ways with GM Ray Farmer and coach Mike Pettine following a 3-13 season in 2015, the Browns turned over control of the 53-man roster to their former general counsel, Sashi Brown, and he embarked on a complete teardown and rebuild of the team.
Brown’s rebuilding efforts resulted in a 1-31 record over the 2016 and 2017 seasons and he was dismissed with four games remaining in 2017, only to be replaced by someone with a football-heavy background in John Dorsey.
Following the dismissal of Freddie Kitchens after the team posted a disappointing 6-10 record in the 2019 season, Dorsey and the Browns mutually parted ways.
“We are thrilled Andrew will lead our football operations,” Dee and Jimmy Haslam said. “We have always been profoundly impressed with him as a consummate professional who has meticulously studied his craft every place he has worked and is extremely dedicated to utilizing every resource to improve an organization and to enhance his own knowledge.
“He will be a tremendous partner with Kevin (Stefanski) as he embraces the critical nature of his relationship with the head coach. We know he can’t wait to get to work.”
Berry is tasked with turning around the fortunes of a franchise with a 17-year playoff drought and a 12-season streak of sub .500 records. The 2017 Browns completed only the second winless 16-game season in NFL history.
Having had those experiences, Berry knows anything but success will be unacceptable for the Browns and their loyal legion of fans.
“The passion for football courses through the veins of Northeast Ohio in a manner that is unique to that of any other region,” Berry said. “Our fan base’s devotion to the Browns is the catalyst for such affection for the sport. Rewarding YOU all -- our loyal and faithful Dawg Pound -- will energize and motivate me daily to attack the challenge ahead of us.
“It is for that reason that I am excited to partner with Kevin Stefanski -- a coach I know our city will embrace because of his leadership skills, work ethic, humility and character -- to work tirelessly and with immediate urgency toward building a winning organization that will make the people of Cleveland proud.”