Mike Holmgren Out Within 24 Hours of Browns Sale Becoming Official, Pat Shurmur Could Follow Shortly
By Jason Lisk
Mike Holmgren was rumored to be in trouble with the sale of the Browns, with rumors swirling since the news was announced that Jimmy Haslam was buying the team. Last week, we talked about how this could be an ugly season for decision makers and Holmgren topped the list. (I know Holmgren is technically president and not GM, but he is the key figure here).
According to Ed Werder of ESPN, now that the sale of the Browns has been approved as final, Haslam will announce former Eagles President Joe Banner as the new person in charge, removing Holmgren.
The Browns won their first game on Sunday, but it wasn’t a short term result that could change the situation. You have to wonder how long they keep Pat Shurmur, as he is a clear lame duck now. The Browns have three games until the bye week (at Indianapolis, San Diego, and Baltimore) and if they don’t show fight short term with Shurmur, he may just get released early.
The other issue is Brandon Weeden. He’s 29 years old as a rookie, and was Holmgren’s selection. The results have been mixed so far. He certainly hasn’t been helped by a receiving group that struggles, and has had up and down performances. Will Banner and the new regime want to move forward with him? The rest of the year is probably most important for Weeden, who can convince them that he can be part of the solution, rather than a part of the problem.
[photo via US Presswire]