Both Mike Pettine and Ray Farmer have been fired, Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said in a letter to fans.
In a press conference, Jimmy Haslam said that the blame for the Browns' last two seasons "lies squarely" with him.
"Ultimately, it's our job to put the right people in the right position and provide the right resources. I think we've done the latter, but the fact that this franchise is not performing any better and certainly not the way its great fans deserve is my fault, OK?" Haslam said. "And I fully accept that responsibility."
He added, "It's a steep learning curve coming to the NFL and it's been very humbling and it's been a lot harder than we thought."
Haslam also announced that Cleveland Browns Executive VP/General Counsel Sashi Brown has been promoted to the Executive Vice President of Football Operations. The search for the new head coach will begin immediately, and the new head coach will be involved in hiring a new general manager.
In his letter to fans, Haslam wrote:
It was important to us that we communicate directly with you regarding our decision to part ways with General Manager Ray Farmer and Head Coach Mike Pettine. We greatly appreciate Ray’s and Mike’s dedication and hard work while with the Cleveland Browns. We’ve made this difficult decision because we don’t believe our football team and football operations were positioned well for the future.
Browns general manager Ray Farmer was fired before today's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL's Ian Rapoport reported.
#Browns source: GM Ray Farmer met with ownership before the game & was relieved of his duties. It's over.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 3, 2016
Browns head coach Mike Pettine was expected to meet with Jimmy Haslam at 7 p.m., ESPN reporter Adam Schefter reported.
Rumors have circulated that the coach would be fired following a 3-13 season. Pettine was peppered with questions after Sunday's loss to the Steelers about his job, and he told them that he's "not into pleading."
Browns HC Mike Pettine scheduled to meet with owner Jimmy Haslam at 7 pm ET, when he is expected to be relieved of his duties, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 3, 2016
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