Browns Fire GM Ray Farmer

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Browns GM Ray Farmer met with ownership before Sunday’s game and was relieved of his duties.

• Vic Carruci mentions that an early name to watch in regards to the Browns’ GM position is VP/General Counsel Sashi Brown, who is very analytics-driven.
• Ian Rapoport adds that Brown was with the Jaguars when they started their analytics department.

Earlier in the day, Rapoport reported the Browns were prepared to fire HC Mike Pettine and Farmer was likely done with the team as well, so this shouldn’t come as a major surprise.

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has reportedly begun the process of searching for a new head coach, and it makes sense to go with a fresh start if he’s trying to lure a big name to the team.

Even if the Browns aren’t willing to give a head coach full control of personnel, they could still offer them the ability to bring in an executive that fits their idea of how the team should be built in the coming years.

The names that have been connected to the Browns’ job include Lions DC Teryl Austin, Bears OC Adam Gase, Jaguars assistant coach Doug Marrone and former Eagles HC Chip Kelly.

Farmer’s time in Cleveland will likely be remembered for draft failures and the texting incident that led to him being suspended at the start of the season.