The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Berry continues theme from the Ivy League
If nothing else, the Browns’ front office is aligned perfectly to perform an Ivy League handshake flawlessly.
If nothing else, the Browns’ front office is now aligned perfectly to perform an Ivy League handshake flawlessly.
Andrew Berry, a Harvard graduate, was officially introduced as the team’s general manager Jan. 28 in an announcement made by team owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam.
Berry will work directly with new head coach Kevin Stefanski, who twice was an all-Ivy League safety playing at Penn. Browns Chief Strategy Officer Paul DePodesta, who played a major role in bringing Berry and Stefanski together, is another Harvard graduate.
“We are thrilled Andrew will lead our football operations,” Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a statement. “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 as he embraces the critical nature of his relationship with the head coach. We know he can’t wait to get to work.”
Berry, 32, is the youngest general manager in the NFL. He was the Browns’ vice president of player personnel from 2016-18. He left the Browns in 2019 to become vice president of football operations for the Eagles.
Sashi Brown had final say in the Browns’ 2016 and 2017 drafts and John Dorsey final say in the 2018 draft when Berry was first in Cleveland. Brown was fired as Director of Football Operations on Dec. 7, 2017. Dorsey and the Browns parted ways Dec. 31, 2019.
Now, and for the next five years if he serves out his new contract — no general manager has lasted more than two years since the Haslams bought the Browns in 2012 — Berry will have the final say in the draft. He will also have final say in freeagent signings and the formation of the 53-man roster.
“I’m honored and blessed to lead the football operations of the Cleveland Browns,” Berry said in a statement.
“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.
“The passion for football courses through the veins of Northeast Ohio in a manner that is unique to that of any other region. 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.”
Haslam made a point during the search for a head coach and general manager that he wanted the two to be aligned in the way they believe a football operation should run. Haslam said he wanted the head coach, whoever it would be, to have a say in hiring the next general manager.
The pairing of Berry and Stefanski seemed predestined from the moment Freddie Kitchens was fired as head coach Dec. 29. Berry and DePodesta were
part of the search committee that in January 2019 recommended hiring Stefanski. Jimmy Haslam listened to Dorsey and hired Kitchens instead.
“I was introduced to Andrew about 10 years ago at the Senior Bowl by (former Vikings defensive coordinator) Leslie Frazier so I’ve known him for quite some time,” Stefanski said in a statement. “I’ve always respected him for the way he’s carried himself in this profession.
“Andrew is extremely knowledgeable and is always looking to improve himself. We share a vision on the type of team we need to build to have the success our fans deserve. I’m excited and very much looking forward to getting to work with Andrew and developing the type of partnership needed for sustained success.”
Berry broke into the NFL with the Colts as a scouting assistant in 2009. He was promoted to pro scout in 2011 and pro scouting coordinator in 2012. He held that position until being hired by the Browns in 2016.