Mon Feb 03 16:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Browns’ Chief Strategy Officer DePodesta’s Impact Questioned Amid Mixed Record
**Cleveland, OH** – The Cleveland Browns’ decision to hire Paul DePodesta, a former Major League Baseball executive, as Chief Strategy Officer in 2016 continues to spark debate among fans. While his contributions remain a subject of contention, Browns insider Tony Grossi recently offered his assessment in a mailbag session.
Grossi credited DePodesta with facilitating a key organizational alignment, bringing together head coach Kevin Stefanski and General Manager Andrew Berry. He also noted DePodesta’s recommendation of Sean McDermott as a coaching candidate over Freddie Kitchens.
However, Grossi also highlighted some controversial decisions attributed to DePodesta, including advocating for quarterback Mitch Trubisky over Myles Garrett in the 2017 draft. While Trubisky showed promise at the time, the Browns ultimately selected Garrett, a future Hall of Famer. The Deshaun Watson trade, while initially seen favorably, has also become a point of contention among some fans.
The overall impact of DePodesta’s tenure remains a subject of ongoing discussion, with his successes and failures prompting continued scrutiny of his role within the Browns’ organization.
First Piper 