Amid a series of changes within the franchise this season, the Cleveland Browns have made two significant moves in their front office. 

“Browns have hired veteran NFL executive Ryan Grigson as Senior Football Advisor and promoted Chris Cooper to Senior Vice President of Football Administration,” NFL insider Adam Schefter wrote in a June 29 X post. 

It was reported that the Browns are seeking help from Ryan Grigson, a familiar face in the franchise. He is rejoining the franchise, having held positions in the franchise twice before. 

In an article, Cleveland Browns on Sports Illustrated weighed in on Chris Cooper’s promotion and the implications of Grigson’s return.

“The other move could be more interesting, as the team has hired Ryan Grigson in a senior football advisor capacity,” the June 29 article read. “The title is very ambiguous and open: senior football advisor.” 

Chris Cooper is entering his 13th season with the Browns. For the past seven years, he was the franchise’s Vice President of Football Administration. While Grigson’s role will be responsible for uncertain territories, Cooper has been responsible for key areas of the franchise. 

He has overseen executing player contracts, managing the team's salary cap, and the Browns' relationship with the NFL and NFLPA. 

Grigson, who just exited the Minnesota Vikings, is taking over as the Senior Football Advisor. He previously served in the same role between 2020-21 and was Senior Personnel Executive in 2017. This is his 28th season in the NFL’s front offices. 

He was responsible for an incredible overhaul in the Indianapolis Colts. He showed Payton Manning the exit and put Andrew Luck, the first overall pick in 2012, in his place. He turned around the Colts’ 2011 2-14 record with Manning to 11-5 in Luck’s first year. 

This time period and change in the Colts were significant as they started a long-term collaboration.

Why GM Andrew Berry Rehired Ryan Grigson

Cleveland Browns’ general manager Andrew Berry and Ryan Grigson first worked together in the Colts. Berry was the pro scouting coordinator for the Colts from 2012-2015.

Grigson was their GM and a mentor to Berry. Rafael Zamorano opined that Grigson won’t stay for too long and is here to help Berry with personal matters.

“Grigson will probably now help Berry out with personnel matters at a time when the team is still looking for a quarterback, but the vague nature of an advisory role points to this likely being just a short-term deal, while the former finds a higher position with another team,” the article read. 

Berry has turned towards a familiar face and an old mentor to fix the team’s quarterback issue. Whether Grigson is the one to help him out remains to be seen. What are your thoughts?

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar