Berea, OH (SportsNetwork.com) - The Cleveland Browns restructured their front office on Tuesday, promoting Ray Farmer to general manager and announcing that CEO Joe Banner will step down in the next two months.
Farmer replaces Mike Lombardi and will immediately take the over the team's football operations and lead the Browns during free agency and the draft. Additionally, the team announced that president Alec Scheiner will continue in charge of the organization's business operations.
The major shakeup comes just a few weeks after the Browns hired Mike Pettine as their head coach.
"First of all, we wanted to capitalize on the knowledge, experience and character we're fortunate to have in Ray Farmer," Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said in a statement. "Ray has a tremendous football IQ, he's compelling, and he understands the types of players we need to acquire and develop in order to win in Cleveland. He embraces his partnership with Mike Pettine, which is critical in helping build the right team. Ray will provide excellent leadership in our front office.
"We appreciate Joe's contributions to the Cleveland Browns, especially in helping us as new owners. He was committed to creating a successful organization and bringing in talented individuals. We thank him for his work and dedication. We wish him and his family the best.
"Alec will continue in his role as President of this team. I think he's one of the most intelligent and innovative young executives in the NFL.
"We're also grateful for Mike Lombardi's efforts and commitment since rejoining our organization. He is an experienced and creative NFL executive with a unique ability to see the big picture. He has tremendous instincts and I know he'll be a valuable addition to any NFL organization. We simply wanted to give Ray this opportunity that he's earned. We wanted to move forward under his leadership and capabilities.
"The purpose of these moves is to unify our team with one, unequivocal goal: Provide our fans with the winning organization they have long deserved."
Banner, who previously worked in Philadelphia, became the team's CEO in late October 2012.
"It is bittersweet leaving the Browns organization," Banner said. "I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Jimmy Haslam and helping him set the infrastructure for this franchise. I am proud of the talented individuals we brought in to help lead this team and feel that the Cleveland Browns are in good hands moving forward."
Lombardi was hired by the Browns in January 2013 after working as an NFL Network analyst.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.