Browns power structure: Important reminder about GM, HC and owner

Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski are tied at the hip under Jimmy Haslam

“When you hear Kevin Stefanski talk, you hear Andrew Berry. When you hear Andrew Berry talk, you hear Kevin Stefanski.”

Every year at the NFL combine a version of that conversation is had before the two leaders of the Cleveland Browns franchise speak to the media gathered. For the most part, those statements have been true. Stefanski and Berry are in lock step publicly in pretty much everything they say.

Behind closed doors, according to most, that remains true as the goal of unity remains from the time each was hired.

Even as we wondered whether Mike Vrabel could replace Stefanski this offseason, it is important to remember the power dynamic and structure inside of the Browns. That starts with the timeline for when the current regime was hired.

• Stefanski was hired first then joined the search for the next GM
• Berry was then hired by the search committee that included Stefanski
• Paul DePodesta helped direct the process for the hiring of both

Given that timeline it would make sense if Berry reported to Stefanski and Stefanski reported to DePodesta. Not everything in Cleveland/Berea makes sense.

In the Browns power structure neither the GM nor the head coach report to each other. If you hear or read that “Berry should get rid of Stefanski,” that person is not aware of the structure and is assuming the more traditional NFL way of doing things.

Enter owner Jimmy Haslam.

Separately, Berry and Stefanski report to Haslam. For good or bad, Haslam provides the oversight and direction for the organization and is the sole power to make decisions regarding either the GM or head coach.

Under Haslam, Berry has the autonomy to decide the roster while Stefanski has the decision making when it comes to who plays, the coaching staff and the details. It is important to note that Haslam has the power, if he chooses, to override those things as Berry and Stefanski’s boss.

With that structure, it has made sense for Stefanski and Berry to be a united front. In many ways, it has led to the initial quote from this article where they say basically the same thing.

While we hope things are turning around in Cleveland, if they don't it is important to know the power structure of the organization.

Were you aware of the power dynamic with the Browns? Do you think it is a healthy one or problematic for the team? Share your thoughts in the comment section below