When Mike Holmgren became president of the Browns, we provided him with a 10-topic to-do list.
Gradually, he’s working through the various items.
According to the News-Herald, No. 6 has been addressed, sort of. We suggested that Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown, a member of the team’s senior management staff, be silenced.
Though Brown hasn’t been fired, he’s no longer an “Executive Adviser” to the team.
“He’s still part of the Browns family,” V.P. of media relations Neal Gulkis told the News-Herald. “He’s the greatest running back of all time. He’ll talk with [Browns owner] Randy [ Lerner], [president] Mike [Holmgren], and [head coach] Eric [Mangini] and the players like he has in the past. He spoke at the rookie minicamp. His role hasn’t really changed.”
What’s changed is that Brown’s comments no longer will carry the weight of a title that placed him within the inner circle of the organization. And that’s likely the smartest move Holmgren has made.
The Browns, like the Bills, tend to give former players too much influence over the affairs of the franchise. Though former players shouldn’t be shunned, teams should be careful not to give them too much power or information.