This Aug. 3, 2012 file photo shows Jimmy Haslam III during a news conference in Berea, Ohio. The sale of the Cleveland Browns to Haslam III was unanimously approved by NFL owners Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2012, and team President Mike Holmgren will be leaving the Browns at the end of the season. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete, File)By BARRY WILNER
CHICAGO – The sale of the Cleveland Browns to Jimmy Haslam III was unanimously approved by NFL owners today, and team President Mike Holmgren will be leaving at the end of the season.
Haslam hired former Eagles executive Joe Banner as CEO of the Browns to replace Holmgren. But Holmgren will remain with the team through December to “help in the transition,” Haslam said.
No other personnel moves will be made before the end of the season, said Haslam, who expects the sale to be finalized on Oct. 25. Banner will become CEO on that date.
Haslam bought the team from Randy Lerner for $1 billion. Haslam, who built his fortune with Pilot Flying J truck stops, has been a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and is in the process of divesting that stock.