APAs new Browns owner Jimmy Haslam prepares to reshape the team’s front office after the season, we’ve noted that there’s talk of stopping short of firing General Manager Tom Heckert, and instead keeping him on board but taking away his final say authority over the roster. Unsurprisingly, Heckert doesn’t sound like he’s thrilled at the prospect of that.
Talking to reporters today, Heckert stopped short of saying he’d refuse to stay in Cleveland if he lost the authority to determine the 53-man roster, but he also said the whole reason he took the job in the first place was that he was offered final say on personnel moves.
“It’s important,” Heckert said, via the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “It’s why I came here. Not saying it’s an end-all, but it’s important to me.”
Heckert said Haslam and new Browns CEO Joe Banner haven’t told him what his status will be after the season.
“Whatever happens, happens. We’ll talk about it sometime soon,” Heckert said.
It’s understandable that Heckert wouldn’t want to give up final say if that’s the reason he took the job in Cleveland. On the other hand, if the Browns were to fire him, it’s unlikely that any other team would give him final say. Which raises the possibility that Heckert might be willing to stay even if he received a demotion, not because he’d be happy with it, but because even with less authority, sticking around in Cleveland might be the best job he could get.
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He deserves final say, he’s done a great job in the draft and the Browns finally look like they’re on the right track. He should get to stay based purely on the genius pick of Josh Gordon.
All this excitement in Cleveland is a bunch of false hope. The Redskins are gonna march into that factory Sunday and send that franchise back to it’s sad reality.
The NFL is a business. The Browns have a new owner. He has every right to establish the power priority as he wishes it to be.
Sounds like it’s up to Heckert to make the adjustment.
Heckert has done a good job IMO. Why break up a group that is showing improvement and trending upwards?
Heckert who? Take a walk, chump.
Keep Heckert in Cleveland!!!!!!!
How can you say anything that conflicts in any way with your boss and expect to keep your job. Either quit or shut your pie hole.
Joe Banner should have been hired to fetch Tom Heckert his coffee and fix his lunch.
Haslam should fire Banner if Banner intends on firing Heckert!
Heckert has the Browns turning the corner in the short time he’s been there….don’t blow things up now!!!!
What few people know is that the beloved children’s fairy tale character Tom Thumb was originally called “Tom Whose Head Looks Like A Thumb”, and that he has living descendants to this very day.
Hmmmm wonder if he’d consider a return to Philly. I’m seeing a power vaccum in our future and I don’t think Laurie wants to hire a coach who will demand full control. It’d be nice to have a voice to balance out Roseman.
ps Every thumbs own I receive from a Browns fan gives my statement more credence
most comments surprise me… NOT enough media criticism in Cleveland sports of team management.
Let me ask.. final control on roster:
Jake Delhomme
Colt McCoy (never getting a chance to compete)
Seneca Wallace
Get real… THAT position is the most important and he had control on it?
Thats enough to fire him
that picture makes him look a little downsey.
@geezohman:
That was Holmgren Dummy.
Anyone who drafts a 29 year old rookie qb in the first round should lose their job immediately.
The quarterback picks were Holmgren pulling rank on Heckert. He has assembled an incredible amount of players that are still playing on the roster. He’s something like 25 of 27 drafting players that are currently contributors. 15 of them are starters!
Holmgren brought Delhomme in.
And other than NY, no other town is as critical of their sports teams management.
“geezohman says:
Dec 14, 2012 1:49 PM
most comments surprise me… NOT enough media criticism in Cleveland sports of team management.
Let me ask.. final control on roster:
Jake Delhomme
Colt McCoy (never getting a chance to compete)
Seneca Wallace
Get real… THAT position is the most important and he had control on it?
Thats enough to fire him”
Dead man walkin’……..
The Browns have the pieces in place, they are just young. Give Heckert 2 more seasons. People will be surprised on the product the Browns put on the field.
The Cleveland tradition is to blow things up every 2 or 3 years and start over. Gives fans hope.