CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – The Cleveland Browns latest organizational makeover took nearly a month to complete, but they’re done, for now.
Back to the Ivy league they go.
Andrew Berry was officially named the team’s new top football executive and boy did he get a fancy title too – executive vice president of football operations and general manager.
“We are thrilled Andrew will lead our football operations," Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a statement. "We have always been profoundly impressed with him as a consummate professional who has meticulously studied his craft every place he has worked and is extremely dedicated to utilizing every resource to improve an organization and to enhance his own knowledge. He will be a tremendous partner with Kevin as he embraces the critical nature of his relationship with the head coach. We know he can’t wait to get to work.”
Berry will be re-introduced at a press conference Feb. 5.
At 32 years old, Berry becomes the youngest top football executive in the NFL and the fifth chief football executive hired by the Haslams since January 2013.
Berry served as a vice president of player personnel from 2016-18 in Cleveland that saw the franchise draft four pro bowlers – linebacker Joe Schobert, defensive end Myles Garrett, cornerback Denzel Ward and running back Nick Chubb.
Berry “helped lead all talent evaluation efforts for the club, including college prospects and NFL free agents. He also helped in overseeing the club’s scouting department” during that time according to the team’s announcement Tuesday morning.
“I’m honored and blessed to lead the Football Operations of the Cleveland Browns,” Berry said. “I’m appreciative of the Haslam family for entrusting me to be a steward of a franchise that is so rich in tradition and history. The passion for football courses through the veins of Northeast Ohio in a manner that is unique to that of any other region. Our fan base’s devotion to the Browns is the catalyst for such affection for the sport. Rewarding YOU all—our loyal and faithful Dawg Pound—will energize and motivate me daily to attack the challenge ahead of us. It is for that reason that I am excited to partner with Kevin Stefanski—a coach I know our city will embrace because of his leadership skills, work ethic, humility and character—to work tirelessly and with immediate urgency toward building a winning organization that will make the people of Cleveland proud.”
Berry left Cleveland and joined Philadelphia’s front office in 2019 as vice president of football operations but returns to team up with new head coach Kevin Stefanski, who is 37, hired Jan. 13.
“I was introduced to Andrew about 10 years ago at the Senior Bowl by Leslie Frazier so I’ve known him for quite some time,” Stefanski said. “I’ve always respected him for the way he’s carried himself in this profession. Andrew is extremely knowledgeable and is always looking to improve himself. We share a vision on the type of team we need to build to have the success our fans deserve. I’m excited and very much looking forward to getting to work with Andrew and developing the type of partnership needed for sustained success.”
A Harvard graduate with a bachelor’s degree in economics and master’s in computer science, Berry played cornerback for the Crimson. Chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta is also a Harvard grad and Stefanski graduated from Penn.
The Eagles selected running back Miles Sanders, who went on to lead all NFL rookies in scrimmage yards with 1,327 and set an Eagles rookie rushing record with 818 yards, in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Berry got his start in the NFL in 2009 as a scouting assistant with the Indianapolis Colts and was promoted to pro scout in 2011 before being elevated to pro scouting coordinator in 2012.
During his time in Indianapolis, Berry helped manage the Colts’ free agency process, scouted upcoming opponents and evaluated NFL and other players from professional leagues. He also assisted with college scouting, preparation for the NFL draft and participated in contract negotiations during free agency.
The Colts won four AFC South titles, made the playoffs five times and advanced to Super Bowl XLIV during Berry’s tenure with their front office.
