Cleveland Browns general manager Tom Heckert didn't expect to hold that position for much longer, according to reports this week.
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With new owner Jimmy Haslam III hiring Joe Banner as CEO to effectively replace Mike Holmgren -- who's retiring -- there's natural anxiety inside the building, but Heckert told The Plain Dealer on Wednesday that he'd like to stick around.
"We all want to be here to see this thing through," Heckert said. "It's untapped just how good this team can be, and we're on our way. Joe is super-smart, and I think he'll see that."
What Banner cannot ignore is Heckert's track record of drafting young talent. In three seasons, the Browns GM has added cornerback Joe Haden, pass rusher Jabaal Sheard, nose tackle Phil Taylor, running back Trent Richardson, wide receiver Josh Gordon and quarterback Brandon Weeden. The team, however, isn't winning games.
"We know we need to improve, but we're on our way, and I think there's a chance that we can figure this out and work together and do that," Heckert said. "That's our goal. We all want to win a Super Bowl."
Banner knows Heckert and coach Pat Shurmur from their days with the Philadelphia Eagles, but questions remain about where those relationships stand. Banner spoke highly of both men, and Haslam has vowed to wait until season's end to evaluate personnel.
Cleveland's 1-5 record is no lie, but the NFL's youngest team has shown signs of life. Heckert would like to be there when the Browns rise up again.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
