It is official….almost. On Friday the Cleveland media got to meet the new owner Jim Haslam (Former minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers), and according to a comment made by ESPNCleveland’s Tony Grossi on Twitter “WOW”, and I would be inclined to agree.

It has been a long time since we have had an involved owner for the Cleveland Browns. Al Lerner had just gotten the team here and started before passing and his son Randy has been a “hands-off” kind of owner.

Haslam has said a lot already. For example the Browns will not be going anywhere. And he made it perfectly clear to the media on Friday that taking a team away from such a rich fan base would be a mistake, and it was one of Randy’s four requests when selling the team.

Haslam has also stated he is bringing in former Eagles President Joe Banner as part of his management team. It is unclear as to what role Banner will play and people will speculate. But since the sale is not official until October (when ¾ of the NFL team’s owners approve the sale) it will become Haslam’s team to do with what he will. So with that in mind here are three questions about the Cleveland Browns and the Jim Haslam era.

1. What will happen to Browns team President Mike Holmgren?
With Haslam already stating he is bringing in Banner, it is clear that without a “VERY” successful season, it is likely that he will take the place of current team President Mike Holmgren. Fans are about 50/50 on the issue but if Haslam is as involved as he appears he will be, Holmgren’s usefulness will become somewhat obsolete.

2. What will happen to Browns General Manager Tom Heckert?

It has already been speculated that Tom Heckert will be on the road with Holmgren when Haslam officially takes the reins but I would not be so quick to agree. Heckert has done an amazing job as General Manager making some great draft picks and free agent signings and to this point “Zero” 1st round Draft busts. Plus he has had a close working relationship with Joe Banner when they were both in Philadelphia so depending on whether that relationship was positive or not I think will spell out Heckert’s fate. But as a sports Analyst, and lifelong Browns fan, I would strongly advocate keeping Tom Heckert.

3. What happens to current Browns coach Pat Shurmur

Head Coach Pat Shurmur was hired because he fit exactly what Holmgren wanted. If Holmgren is gone, then why keep his handpicked coach? I seriously doubt any moves will be made until the end of the season (or at least the moment it becomes clear there will be no playoffs in Cleveland) But I would imagine Shurmur will be gone as well barring an amazing run in 2012.

But here is an interesting scenario if Shurmur goes. First there are two former head coaches already on staff. Offensive Coordinator Brad Childress and Defensive Coordinator Dick Jauron who was impressive last season.

But the more intriguing question being is does Haslam as former minority owner of the Steelers have a relationship with Bill Cowher? And if so, is that enough to entice him out of retirement? It’s just a crazy thought but an intriguing one isn’t it?

So on behalf of Browns Nation welcome Jim Haslam. Do what you must, but restore this franchise to where it once was.