The Cleveland Browns have officially announced the departure of chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta. DePodesta, known for his extensive background in Major League Baseball and the inspiration behind Jonah Hill”s character in the film “Moneyball,” is set to take on the role of head of baseball operations with the Colorado Rockies.
Browns insider Tony Grossi commented on DePodesta”s tenure, stating, “In the NFL, DePodesta was a fish out of water.” While he made significant strides in enhancing various departments, particularly the analytics division, his leadership coincided with some of the franchise”s most challenging seasons. Under his watch, the team recorded a dismal 1-31 record during Hue Jackson“s time as head coach and was involved in the controversial trade for Deshaun Watson, which Browns owner Jimmy Haslam later described as a “big swing and a miss.”
During his nine-plus years with the Browns, DePodesta contributed to a team record of 56 wins, 99 losses, and one tie, translating to a win percentage of just 36.2 percent. The Browns experienced only two winning seasons during this span, placing them among the teams with the worst records in the NFL.
Despite these shortcomings, Grossi acknowledged DePodesta”s role in pairing general manager Andrew Berry with head coach Kevin Stefanski back in 2020, which led to the Browns making the playoffs in two of the following five seasons. The recent organizational changes may present an opportunity for Haslam to restructure the franchise, including possibly elevating Berry to a higher position and hiring a new general manager.
Currently, Kevin Stefanski faces scrutiny for his decision to continue starting rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel over fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders. Despite Gabriel”s disappointing performance, fans are calling for Sanders to receive an opportunity. Gabriel”s struggles have raised questions about why Sanders, who was projected to be a high first-round pick before falling to the 144th overall selection, has yet to see action on the field.
Some analysts, including Sports4CLE”s Dave Bacon, believe the Browns have not entirely given up on Sanders but emphasize that he must demonstrate he deserves a chance to play. “The team has not quit,” Bacon noted. “Shedeur has to earn the reps. They see him day in and day out.”
On the other hand, ESPN Cleveland radio host Tony Rizzo expressed skepticism regarding Sanders” lack of playing time. He questioned the coaching staff”s decisions, stating, “What is going on behind the scenes? How can this kid that was rated as a late first-round draft pick not get on a field for a team that is struggling?” Rizzo suggested that the coaching staff”s reluctance to give Sanders reps could have serious implications for Stefanski”s future with the team.
As the Browns sit at 2-6, facing off against the 1-7 New York Jets, the pressure is mounting on Gabriel. This upcoming game may serve as a pivotal moment for his tenure as the starting quarterback.
