The business of football can be messy and, especially recently, is now basically a year-round, 24/7 process. A month before the start of training camp, on Thursday morning, the Cleveland Browns released DE Ogbo Okoronkwo after signing him in NFL free agency a couple of seasons ago. That move made way for K Andre Szmyt’s return.
The 365-day business of the NFL also involves changes throughout the organization. In April, we learned that the Browns would be losing Dan Saganey, their Director of Player Personnel, to the Tennessee Titans. Thursday, we learned about Cleveland making eight new hires and seven promotions, including replacing Saganey.
New Hires
James Cook – Senior Director of Player Development
Shaun Herock – Senior College Personnel Advisor
Josh Meyer – Scouting Assistant
Andrew Nimo-Sefah – Scouting Assistant
Ryan Smith – Scouting Assistant
Evan Stanislaw – Junior Software Developer
John Michael Tran – Junior Software Developer
Ethan Weissman – Football Research Analyst
Herock worked for the Browns previously in the same role and has over 30 years of NFL experience. Smith Weissman were connected to the organization last year (external Film Analyst and intern) while Meyer (Michigan), Nimo-Sefash (Arizona Cardinals) and Stanislaw (Dallas Stars) have experience in professional sports.
Tran “participated in software engineer internships at NASA and Amazon,” according to the team’s press release.
Promotions
Hajriz Aliu – Football Operations Assistant
Adam Al-Khayyal – Director, Player Personnel
Matt Donahoe – National Scout
Tyler Habursky – Scout, NFS
John Nussman – Area Scout (Midwest)
Abby Protin– Senior Software Developer, Football Information Systems
Jacqueline Roberts – Coordinator of Coaching Logistics
You can learn more about all the Browns staffers listed above in the press release found here.