The Browns hired Ken Kovash three years ago without announcing the move and shielded him from media interviews once word got out they had an analytics expert working in team headquarters. Now Kovash holds one of the franchise’s most prominent titles under the new regime.
On Tuesday, the organization announced Kovash has risen from director of football research to vice president of player personnel, a title he’ll share with chief talent evaluator Andrew Berry. The two will report to executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown, who has the ultimate authority on the 53-man roster.
“Ken is an intelligent, critical thinker,” Brown said in a news release. “He provides valuable leadership and input to our decision-making process and will continue to be a key component to our personnel department.”
The Browns also unveiled five other promotions and a new hire in their player personnel department.
Chisom Opara is director of player personnel (previously college area scout). He’ll work directly with chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta.
“We’re thrilled to add Chisom’s expertise to the broader player personnel function,” DePodesta said. “His deep background in scouting and his ability to work across many different lines will make a huge impact on the organization.”
Kevin Meers is director of research and strategy (previously football research analyst). An analytics guru like Kovash, Meers will work closely with DePodesta.
“Kevin’s inquisitive nature, his intelligence, and his tireless work ethic make him a perfect fit to lead our research function,” DePodesta said. “We look forward to him helping us in many different areas.”
Mike Cetta, Dan Saganey and Bobby Vega are directors of scouting. Cetta was previously a project coordinator in the player personnel department, Saganey a manager-pro personnel and Vega the club’s southeast scout. Cetta will help direct systems and processes that support the scouting department. Saganey will lead the scouting of professional players. Vega will lead the scouting of college players.
Glenn Cook is the new hire. His title is assistant director of scouting. He spent the previous four years in the Green Bay Packers’ player personnel department.
“He is a highly regarded, bright scout that has been a part of a very successful scouting environment in Green Bay,” Brown said. “He will bring a fresh perspective to our group and we are excited to have him on our staff.”
The promotions of Kovash and Meers were previously reported in February, but the shuffling within the player personnel department had just begun. The Browns fired six scouts in April and just unveiled the promotions of several others.
Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Browns blog at www.ohio.com/browns. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NateUlrichABJ and on Facebook www.facebook.com/abj.sports.