The Browns have changed directions so frequently, it’s sometimes hard to tell who is there and who isn’t.
But when team president Alec Scheiner was nowhere to be found when they introduced new coach Hue Jackson, the absence spoke volumes.
The Browns brought it full circle Friday, announcing that Scheiner “is stepping away from his position” as team president “and will continue to serve as a consultant to the team through the end of 2016.”
That means he had some degree of contract that has to be fulfilled, but he’s effectively gone.
“We greatly appreciate Alec’s commitment and work as President of the Cleveland Browns,” Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a statement. “Alec is extremely capable and has helped us establish some very positive inroads with a significant focus on our fan experience, FirstEnergy Stadium and our business partners. He was integral to the rebuild of our organization, the renovations of our stadium and training facility, and many of our strategies on the football side of our business. His guidance has helped us accelerate our learning curve as NFL owners and that is something we will always appreciate. Alec is ready for the next challenge in his career, as our new structure would limit the opportunity for his leadership. He is one of the most talented executives in the industry, and we are fully confident that Alec will be successful in whatever permanent role he takes next. We wish him and his family only the best.”
Scheiner had been with the Browns since January 2013. But the arrival of executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown, chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta, a new personnel chief and a new coach, there was little room for the old boss.