The Cleveland Browns have signed another quarterback.

Northeast Ohio native Brian Hoyer has signed a two year deal. He played college football with the Michigan State Spartans.

He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New England Patriots in 2009, and played 15 games over the years, including one start with the Arizona Cardinals late last year. He was also with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2012, but did not play.

Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski says Hoyer brings "experience and a solid reputation" to the team.

Hoyer is a North Olmsted native who attended Cleveland's St. Ignatius High School.

It's not unusual for professional athletes to tip the cap to those who have surpassed personal best marks; after all, what better compliment than knowing it took extraordinary effort to overtake what was once the best of the best.

Don Cockroft shows reaching the high mark extends well beyond the active competition on the field.

An open letter to Phil Dawson, the man who knocked Cockroft off his perch as the second highest scorer in Cleveland Browns history, may serve as a benchmark of it's own. Cockroft congratulations Dawson for his remarkable career with the Browns and even wishes Dawson the best, including a scenario where the Browns might even face-off against Dawson's new team in a soon-to-come Super Bowl.

Stay classy, Don!

- - -

There's now a price tag attached to the new name for the Cleveland Browns' stadium.

The Beacon Journal reports that Akron-based FirstEnergy is paying 102 million dollars over 17 years to name FirstEnergy Stadium, Home of the Cleveland Browns. That's 6 million dollars per year.

The team and the local utility company announced the new name on Tuesday.

FirstEnergy earlier told the newspaper that the naming rights deal would last until the year 2029, the end of the team's current lease deal with the city of Cleveland.

--

On the Web: Akron Beacon Journal, www.ohio.com

He had been rumored to be on the radar for the Browns since he was let go as the head coach of the Chargers, but the Browns made it official on Thursday. Norv Turner is the new Offensive Coordinator.

He's one of six new hires for the coaching staff announced by the team on Thursday. Turner was coach in San Diego the past six seasons. He was also the head coach in San Francisco and Washington for a short time.

------------

(press release) January 17, 2013 The Cleveland Browns today named Norv Turner as Offensive Coordinator. Turner was one of six additions to the coaching staff, which also includes Brad Roll (Strength & Conditioning), Mike Sullivan (Offensive Line) and Scott Turner (Wide Receivers). In addition, Chris Tabor (Special Teams Coordinator) and George Warhop (Offensive Line) will be retained from last year’s staff.

“I am very excited about the coaches we have been able to add to our staff thus far,” said Browns Head Coach Rob Chudzinski.  “I have worked with Norv, Mike, Scott and Brad previously and know the quality of coaches and teachers that they are, and how much our players will benefit from their presence.

“Norv has been one of the most respected offensive coaches in the NFL over the last 25-30 years, and he has had a tremendous amount of success at each one of his stops – as a position coach, coordinator and head coach.  I was able to learn a great deal in the time that I worked for him in San Diego, and I expect that having him as our offensive coordinator will make a big impact on that side of the ball.

“After sitting down and getting to know both Chris and George, I was extremely impressed with the type of coaches and men that they are. Not only was this special teams group vastly improved from the previous season, but special teams became one of the top units in the league last year.  George played an integral role in helping to shape a young unit that I feel made great strides last year, and which has the potential to get even better.  The continuity we have been able to create by retaining Chris and George will be big pluses in both of their respective areas.”

Norv Turner’s résumé includes 38 years of coaching experience, including 14 seasons as an NFL head coach where he won 114 regular season games. Most recently, he spent six seasons (2007-12) as the head coach of the San Diego Chargers. Turner led the Chargers to a 59-43 (.578) regular season record and won three AFC West titles (2007-09). He also served as head coach of the Washing Redskins from 1994-2000 and the Oakland Raiders from 2004-05. He had stints as offensive coordinator in San Francisco (2006), Miami (2002-03), San Diego (2001) and Dallas (1991-93). Turner’s offensive system has produced the NFL’s leading rusher five times through three different players in Emmitt Smith (1991-93), Ricky Williams (2002) and LaDainian Tomlinson (2007). While with Dallas, Turner helped the Cowboys win back-to-back Super Bowl titles following the 1992 and 1993 seasons. He broke into the NFL ranks with the Los Angeles Rams, spending his first two seasons (1985-86) as wide receivers coach before serving as wide receiver and tight ends coach (1987-90). Prior to joining the Rams, Turner spent nine seasons (1976-84) at the University of Southern California in various capacities. He helped the Trojans capture four Rose Bowls and the 1978 National Championship. A native of the Bay Area suburb of Martinez, California, Turner was a quarterback at the University of Oregon where he was a three-year letterman (1972-74). He landed his first coaching job as a graduate assistant at his alma mater in 1975. Turner and his wife, Nancy, have two sons, Scott and Drew, and one daughter, Stephanie. Scott is the Browns wide receivers coach.

Roll spent 2012 as the assistant strength and conditioning coach at USC after serving 19 seasons on the professional level with the Oakland Raiders (2008-11), St. Louis Rams (2006-07), Buffalo Bills (2004-05), Miami Dolphins (1996-2003) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1993-95). He was the strength and conditioning coach at the University of Miami (Fla.) from 1989-92, where he helped the Hurricanes to two National Championships. He was at the University of Kanas for two seasons (1987-88), where he worked with the Jayhawks’ 1988 National Championship basketball team. He also spent six seasons (1981-86) at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette after beginning his coaching career at Stephen F. Austin State University in 1980. A native of Houston, Roll played center at Blinn (Texas) Junior College and Stephen F. Austin.

Sullivan re-joins the Browns staff where he served as assistant offensive line coach from 2001-04 and 2007-08. Most recently, he was the offensive line coach with the San Diego Chargers for four seasons (2009-12). He also had stints at Western Michigan University (2005-06), the University of Miami (Fla.) (2001) and various American football club teams in Germany, France and Spain (1997-2001). As a guard/center, Sullivan was a sixth-round draft pick by the Dallas Cowboys and went on to appear in 48 career games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1992-95). He played collegiately at the University of Miami (Fla.), where he helped the Hurricanes to National Championships in 1987 and 1989. Sullivan and his wife, Carole, have two sons, Patrick and John and a daughter, Teagan.

Scott Turner joined the professional coaching ranks in 2011 as the Carolina Panthers’ offensive quality control coach. He also spent four seasons on the college level (Pittsburgh 2008-10 and Oregon State 2005) and two years (2006-07) on the high school level. He was a three-year letterman as a quarterback at UNLV. Turner is the son of former NFL head coach and current Browns offensive coordinator Norv Turner.

The worst-kept secret in Cleveland sports now officially has a name -- of an Akron institution. It was certainly no surprise when the logo was unveiled for "FirstEnergy Stadium, home of the Cleveland Browns.' made official this afternoon in a news conference at the Stadium conducted by Akron-based FirstEnergy Corporation CEO Tony Alexander and Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam III.

There was plenty of talk about winning partnerships. Haslam noted the team wanted to pursue naming rights but only with a company with roots in Cleveland or northeast Ohio. The Browns got both with FirstEnergy, headquartered in Akron but also with it's operating subsidiary The Illumniating Company.

Alexander drove up from Akron to make it official with both men looking proud as the new logo was unveiled. He turned aside a question on the impact it would mean for an Akron-based company to have it's name in such a prominent position for both regional and national branding by saying the health of northeast Ohio as a whole was more important for FirstEnergy, whether it be in Cleveland, Akron, Canton or Youngstown. The company is one of northeast Ohio's biggest employers, with a business footprint from Toledo to the shore of New Jersey and the Statue of Liberty.

Alexander was also jokingly asked if he was ready for the first sign of power problems at the Stadium during a lightning storm; he responded the utility had a good relationship with the City of Cleveland. FirstEnergy Stadium is actually serviced by Cleveland Public Power, a government-owned utility providing electrical service to the Stadium, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Great Lakes Science Museum, Burke Lakefront Airport and other businesses north of the Shoreway.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but similar naming rights usually involve lengthy terms with costs around $10 million dollars. Cleveland City Council must still approve the deal; many in attendance at the event, including Council President Martin Sweeney, seemed supportive.

(FirstEnergy Corporation and Cleveland Browns) The Cleveland Browns and FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) today announced a long-term partnership in which the team’s venue will be called FirstEnergy Stadium.  Since it was completed in 1999, the Browns home field has been known as Cleveland Browns Stadium.

FirstEnergy, a diverse energy company headquartered in Akron, Ohio, has been a corporate partner of the Browns since 1999.  The partnership has included many elements, highlighted by its presence as a gate partner at the stadium from 2002 through 2006 and a current scoreboard sponsor.

FirstEnergy was formed in 1997 when Ohio Edison merged with Centerior Energy Corporation, the parent company of The Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company and Toledo Edison.  As a result of two other mergers, FirstEnergy is now one of the largest investor-owned electric utilities in the country.

As part of the naming rights agreement, FirstEnergy becomes the official energy partner of the Cleveland Browns.  In addition, the partnership consists of both interior and exterior stadium signage, use of Browns trademarks, event sponsorships, as well as a full complement of media assets, including TV, radio, print and digital.  As a component of this deal, a FirstEnergy Stadium web site will be launched in the near future.  As active members of the Northeast Ohio community, both entities will also jointly participate in philanthropic endeavors throughout the region.

This landmark announcement was made at an afternoon press conference in the South Club Lounge at the stadium.  Browns Owner Jimmy Haslam and Chief Executive Officer Joe Banner were on hand for the Browns to help announce the partnership.  FirstEnergy was represented by its President and Chief Executive Officer Tony Alexander.

“This is a great day for all of us and it builds on the momentum we have experienced as we enter into a new era of Cleveland Browns Football,” said Haslam.  “The Browns and FirstEnergy have enjoyed a tremendous relationship for more than a decade, and since our arrival back in August, it has been our pleasure getting to know Tony, Chairman of the Board George Smart, President of FirstEnergy Utilities Chuck Jones and many other FirstEnergy employees.  As native Ohioans, they understand the value of the Browns brand, and like all of our fans, they have lived and died with this football team.  Our core values of being the best at everything we do are clearly aligned, and because of their commitment to the City of Cleveland and to all of Northeast Ohio, we felt this would be the perfect partnership.  Plus, it’s a great name for the stadium – FirstEnergy.”

“By joining two Ohio traditions, this partnership and regional branding opportunity makes good business sense,” said FirstEnergy’s Alexander, seen at left.  "FirstEnergy and its predecessor utilities have been serving the energy needs of customers throughout northern Ohio for more than a century, while the Browns’ rich legacy in the same regional footprint dates back to 1946.  It is clear the team is headed in the right direction and we look forward to being part of the new energy in FirstEnergy Stadium.”

“Having a stadium naming rights deal in place was extremely important for us as we look towards the future, and it was just as imperative to accomplish this with a strong, regional company such as FirstEnergy,” said Banner.  “We are excited about what this long-term partnership means, allowing both the Browns and FirstEnergy to derive many benefits from this association.  This deal is a great example of why we feel very good about the direction our organization is headed, and we believe it can serve as a catalyst for many other positive developments moving forward.”

Terms of the naming-rights agreement were not disclosed.  The deal is contingent upon approval from Cleveland City Council.  Once approved, the stadium will become the 23^rd of 31 NFL venues to have entered into a naming rights deal.

Going to a football game in Cleveland is about to feel like taking a plane. The only difference may be keeping your shoes on.

The NFL and Cleveland Browns announcing new security measures that will include ticket holders scanned by hand-held metal detectors instead of undergoing a pat-down by security.

You'll be asked to hold keys, cell phones or other metal in your hands while being "wanded."

The news policy will be in effect this weekend for the Browns-Philadelphia Eagles pre-season game.

(NFL news release)  Starting with the preseason home opener this Friday against the Philadelphia Eagles, all fans will be subject to metal detection as they enter Cleveland Browns Stadium.

This is a new requirement for all NFL stadiums.

This new procedure, using handheld metal detectors, will enhance the current screening process and ensure a safe gameday environment for all fans. Fans will be asked to hold their keys, cell phones and any other metal items in their hands during the wanding process. This procedure will eliminate the need for “pat-downs” of fans. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to the stadium.

Reports out of Berea say Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden failed a drug test and could face possible discipline from the NFL.

News Channel 5's Andy Baskin confirmed through numerous sources that Haden tested positive for a drug. It's a possibility he could have tested positive for Adderall, which is used to treat attention deficit disorder and chronic fatigue.

The medication is banned by the league. This is Haden's first positive test during his three years in the NFL.

There will be a second test given and if it comes back positive again, Haden could face up to a four-game suspension. He can appeal if his second test turns up positive and is disciplined by the league.

The Browns, the NFL, and Haden's agent Drew Rosenhaus did not comment on the reports.

On the Web www.newsnet5.com

Browns rookie running back Trent Richardson will be seeing a doctor in Florida to evaluate his injured left knee.

Browns coach Pat Shurmur released a one-sentence statement regarding the first-rounder out of Alabama.

“Trent Richardson is traveling to Pensacola, Fla., where he will have his left knee further evaluated by Dr. James Andrews tomorrow.”

Richardson had athroscopic surgery on the knee February 3.

He will miss the Browns' preseason opener against the Detroit Lions this Friday. You can listen to the game on our sister station 97.5 WONE.
 

The Randy Lerner era in Cleveland is reportedly coming to an end and that leaves Browns fans to ask: Who is Jimmy Haslam III ?

Gene Patterson, a news anchor at WATE in Knoxville,Tennessee says he's known Haslam for a number of years, emphasizing his good character as well as his business acumen.

"He's very philanthropic," says Patterson. "He and his wife Dee have donated a lot of money in the East Tennessee area on a number of projects and he seems like a good guy."

Patterson believes Haslam would be a "hands on" type of owner, but would make decisions behind the scenes.

Aaron Coleman Interview with WATE's Gene Patterson by Aaron Coleman

"He's not a Jerry Jones kind of guy who you would see on the sidelines and in front of the media making those types of decisions, but he would make more influential management-type decisions with the Browns."

James 'Jimmy' Haslam III  is negotiating with Randy Lerner to purchase the Cleveland Browns. He is the son of James Haslam Jr, the founder of the "Pilot-Flying J" travel centers and the brother of Bill Haslam, who is the current governor of Tennessee.

Lerner is giving up controlling interest in the team after taking over the team in 2002 after his father, Al Lerner passed away. 

Haslam is already a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, which doesn't sit well with some Browns fans.

Patterson said when he spoke to Haslam during his brother's inauguration , he expressed his enthusiasm for being a part owner of an NFL franchise.

"I think he would be a serious businessman, but he also enjoys the idea of ownership of a franchise in the NFL."

Team president Mike Holmgren told reporters Friday afternoon that fans don't have to worry about the Browns leaving Cleveland if Haslam, or anyone else purchases the team.
 

UPDATE 2:52 p.m.

Cleveland Browns President Mike Holmgren confirms that the team is for sale by current owner Randy Lerner, with talks now underway with a Nashville, Tennessee buyer with billions of dollars to spend for one of the most valuable franchises in sports.

The Browns are worth nearly a billion dollars, according to most estimates. Tennessee billionaire Jimmy Haslam III, who's family started and still manages the Pilot-Flying J Travel Center and Truck Stops across the nation, is currently a minority owner in the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Haslam family also includes the current Governor of Tennessee.

The lawyer for the team, according to media reports, says there are no plans and no considerations to moving the Browns. Cleveland government officials also point out the Browns have a long-term lease at Cleveland Browns Stadium still in force.

Previous coverage:

Could the Cleveland Browns soon have a new owner? 

There have been rumors and now current owner Randy Lerner has issued a statement saying that he is negotiating with Jimmy Haslam, who wants to make an investment in the team.  Lerner did not specify whether that investment would make Haslam a partner or something more. 

Jimmy Haslam III is the son of the man who founded the "Flying J" chain of truck and travel stops, and the family is worth billions. It's the 11th biggest privately-owned company in the world according to Forbes magazine.

Estimates peg the worth of the Browns franchise at just shy of a billion dollars, one of sports' most valuable properties. Both sides say they'll keep details private for the time being. 

The statement in its entirety that was emailed to reporters:

(Browns news release) In connection with current rumors and press inquiries, I can report that I’ve been approached by Mr. Jimmy Haslam, who is interested in making an investment in the Cleveland Browns. We are currently in negotiations and both sides have agreed to keep that dialogue and its details private. Given that any transaction would require League approval, care has been taken so that this process will not be disruptive to the organization, in particular the football team, as it prepares for the upcoming season. We will share further details or make an announcement if it becomes necessary.