The Cleveland Browns announced Friday that their president, Alec Scheiner, will step down at the end of March. The team stated he would continue to serve as a consultant through the end of the year.
Neither the Browns nor Scheiner gave a reason for the departure, but it comes in the midst of an offseason in which the team is undergoing various changes. The Browns hired a new head coach in Hue Jackson and are, in all likelihood, looking to draft a quarterback or at least sign one in free agency.
"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 became the Browns' president in late 2012 after serving as the Dallas Cowboys' general counsel and then vice president over the previous eight years. After his promotion to vice president, Scheiner oversaw the construction of AT&T Stadium.
Similarly, Scheiner was responsible for "modernization" renovations to the Browns' home field, FirstEnergy Stadium, as well as its practice facility. Scheiner's departure seemed to be related to the Haslams' front office reconfiguration.
The team previously hired Paul DePodesta, the former vice president for player development and scouting with the New York Mets, as its chief strategy officer. The Browns also promoted Sashi Brown to executive vice president of football operations.
