Cleveland Browns Chief Strategy Officer Paul DePodesta Leaves for Rockies

Cleveland Browns Chief Strategy Officer Paul DePodesta is reportedly leaving the team to take over as head of baseball operations for the Colorado Rockies. According to Pro Football Talk, multiple sources have confirmed that DePodesta has been in discussions with the Rockies, leading to his definitive exit from the Browns.

His departure is notable considering he has been with the Browns since 2016, implementing an analytics-based approach that has yielded mixed results for the franchise, including two playoff berths but also two historically poor seasons of 1-15 and 0-16.

During his tenure, the Browns posted a record of 57 wins, 101 losses, and 1 tie, raising questions about the effectiveness of his strategies. DePodesta's approach, which included an emphasis on analytics, was often met with skepticism from fans who viewed it as an abstract concept rather than a practical tool for success.

As reported by Dawgs By Nature, he was a central figure in the decision to trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson, whose controversial signing with a guaranteed $230 million contract has not panned out positively for the team, contributing to the ongoing criticisms of his tenure.

The Browns have invested heavily in player acquisition since DePodesta's arrival, yet they have not secured a division title or appeared as serious Super Bowl contenders, which has led some to question the overall direction of the franchise.

Following his departure, speculation arises regarding whether DePodesta left to preemptively avoid potential blame for the team's struggles in the upcoming offseason. His exit could signal further changes within the Browns' organization, especially as they navigate a challenging season where they currently sit at 2-6.

The Colorado Rockies, who finished the 2025 season with a dismal 43-119 record, are hoping DePodesta can replicate his previous success in baseball while tasked with revitalizing their roster. The transition marks a return to his roots in baseball after a decade in the NFL, with DePodesta previously recognized for his role in the Moneyball era with the Oakland Athletics.

As noted by Steelers Depot, his role with the Browns had diminished in recent years, leading to questions about his influence on key decisions as the team continues to struggle. The Browns will now face the challenge of filling the void left by DePodesta, who played a significant role in strategic planning and roster optimization, particularly during the offseason.

With the NFL draft and free agency looming, the team must quickly adapt to his departure as they strive to improve their performance moving forward.