Browns to hire Mets' Paul DePodesta as Chief Strategy Officer

— -- Continuing their unconventional approach this offseason, Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam will announce the hiring of Paul DePodesta of the New York Mets as the Browns' Chief Strategy Officer.

DePodesta -- who helped the Mets become National League Champions last season -- will be above newly hired Executive Vice President of Football Operations Sashi Brown in the organizational hierarchy and will report to Haslem and team president Alec Scheiner, according to sources.

"We are fortunate to bring in Paul, an extremely talented, highly respected sports executive who will add a critical dimension to our front office," said Haslam. "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 player personnel executive who will provide the football expertise needed to be successful."

The Browns expect that DePodesta will assist members of the team's player development, sports science, high performance and analytics departments maximize their efforts. He will also have a significant voice in determining Browns personnel decisions, including what, if anything, the team does this offseason with former first-round draft pick Johnny Manziel.

Those who have worked with DePodesta during his MLB career describe him as being "off-the-charts intelligent and a great human being.''

Although his success has been achieved in professional baseball, DePodesta has desired opportunities in the NFL.

"Cleveland and football have always held a special place in my heart," said DePodesta. "It was 20 years ago this month, after pursing my first love of football and looking at every possible job in the NFL, that I got the biggest break I could imagine -- a job offer from the American League Champion Cleveland Indians. As excited as I was then, I am even more excited now to return to Cleveland and to try to help the Browns."