W.Va.’s White Sulfur Springs Managing and Principal Partners Dee and Jimmy Haslam observed from the sidelines as their squad went through individual drills, an 11-on-11 period, and 7-on-7 red zone drills as the Browns prepared for their third training camp day at The Greenbrier.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski had proposed to hold training camp for the first time in 2023 at The Greenbrier, out of town. Dee and Jimmy Haslam backed that choice because they recognized the impact it had on their players’ camaraderie as a team. They thus came back for a second year.
Dee Haslam remarked, “We’re very happy to be back at the Greenbrier.” “We sincerely thank the Greenbrier personnel for their outstanding work. It makes our guys very thrilled to be here. It’s simply the perfect location to begin our season.”
These are the principal subjects they covered with the media.
Contract extensions for Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry
Since the Browns formally extended head coach Kevin Stefanski and executive vice president of football operations Andrew Berry in June, they have consistency in both general manager and head coaching roles.
The Haslams stated they were working through those extensions during the March NFL Owner’s Meetings. The Haslams have observed how Berry and Stefanski work well together and have developed the Browns over the past four years. They were more optimistic about their organization’s future as a result. After about two months, the extensions were finished.
The Browns have begun a new chapter in the organization’s history during the first four years of Berry and Stefanski’s tenure. The Browns’ record over a four-year span since 2020 is 37-30 (.552), which is the team’s greatest winning percentage since 1986–89.
Now that the extensions are in place, they are ready to guide the Browns into the upcoming season. They have players who are eager to build on their success from the 2023 campaign and who support Berry and Stefanski’s ambition.
“Well, they’re just really great men, first of all, and really good leaders,” remarked Dee Haslam. “I believe that the staff gets along incredibly well with them and that the players genuinely respect them. They have the ability to unite people behind common objectives. Therefore, it does have an impact.”
The Haslams also made it clear that Paul DePodesta, who was appointed Chief Strategy Officer of the Browns, was not given a raise.
Prognosis for the 2024 season
Despite suffering injuries to key players, the Browns managed to have a successful season in 2023, going 11-6 and making it to the Wild Card stage of the playoffs.
The Browns have a bright future ahead of them in 2024 with a healthy quarterback and the current Defensive Player of the Year on the roster, as well as contract extensions for Berry and Stefanski. But the Haslams are aware of how tough the NFL is and how challenging their schedule is this year.
Jimmy Haslam remarked, “If anyone knows how hard it is to win, it’s us.” “Because we still have a ways to go before we can call ourselves a consistent winner.
Do we have confidence in our staff, quarterback, and roster? Yes, we do. However, events do occur. Accidents, circumstances alter. And I believe everyone is aware of how challenging our schedule is going to be this year. Our home schedule is amazing, if I may say so. It’s difficult to care who wins and loses these games. Are we comfy now? Not even comfy would do for me. We have come a long way. Perhaps a more appropriate way to put it would be “still have progress together.”
After having shoulder surgery, Deshaun Watson returned.
QB Deshaun Watson, who suffered a shoulder injury in 2023, is still making progress and reaching goals. In addition to throwing throughout training camp and 11-on-11 sessions, he will be practicing in pads on Monday with the squad.
The Haslams stated that they are happy with Watson’s approach to his rehabilitation and that they communicate with him frequently. They have also observed how at ease he is on the field and how confident he was in his abilities in the first few days of training camp.
Jimmy Haslam remarked, “He’s worked hard. “He claimed to be in the best physical condition of his life. We can’t wait to see what transpires, put on the pads, and watch how he performs the next week. However, he’s in a really positive attitude.”
