Browns hire former Mets exec as chief strategy officer

CLEVELAND — The Browns went to another sport to help change their losing ways.

Paul DePodesta, who spent the previous 20 years in baseball, including as a general manager, was hired today as chief strategy officer.

“We are fortunate to bring in Paul, an extremely talented, highly respected sports executive who will add a critical dimension to our front office,” owner Jimmy Haslam said in a statement. “His approach and ambition to find the best pathways for organizational success transcend one specific sport and his experience as a high level sports executive make him a terrific addition to the Cleveland Browns.

“While we are excited about what Paul will provide our organization, we remain fully focused on the critical task of identifying the right head coach and a top talent evaluator who will provide the football expertise needed to be successful.”

Haslam fired general manager Ray Farmer and coach Mike Pettine on Sunday and promoted Sashi Brown to executive vice president of football operations.

The Browns will begin interviewing coaches, perhaps as early as today.

The Browns describe DePodesta’s role as “assessing and implementing best practices and strategies that will provide the organization with the comprehensive resources needed to make optimal decisions.”