The makeover continues for the Cleveland Browns, who haven't wasted much time filling the shoes left vacant by Mike Holmgren.
The team announced Tuesday that Dallas Cowboys senior vice president and general counsel Alec Scheiner has accepted the role of Browns president. NFL.com's Albert Breer earlier first reported that Scheiner had accepted the position, per a Cowboys source.
Scheiner will operate under CEO Joe Banner as the Browns (5-9) reshape a front office that reportedly will include a personnel executive to oversee football operations. The absence of a general manager with control over the roster leaves Tom Heckert's future in question. The team's current GM isn't likely to accept a reduced role, but the Browns have stated repeatedly they will wait until after the season to decide the fate of Heckert and coach Pat Shurmur.
Scheiner played an integral role in the planning and building of Cowboys Stadium, and was reportedly looking to broaden his role with a new team.
"We are extremely excited about the addition of Alec to our team," Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said. "For many years the Cowboys have been a leading innovator among NFL franchises, and Alec played an integral role in this success. We are confident that his expertise will be a tremendous asset, not only for our organization but our fans as well."
There's a sense in Cleveland that sweeping change is ahead.
Visible progress has been made this season, with the NFL's youngest team making strides on the field following a string of productive drafts overseen by Heckert since 2010. It never comes down to one win or defeat, but Sunday's loss to the Washington Redskins didn't do Shurmur any favors.
The Browns have made a cottage industry of overhauling their coaching and front office staff since returning to the league in 1999. One wave after another has produced little. Haslam and Banner have talked of putting a stop to the revolving door in hopes of building a consistent winner. It appears more transition will come before that foundation is laid.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
