Browns owner Jimmy Haslam returns to family business

Published: Feb 11, 2013 at 06:59 AM

CLEVELAND -- Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has gone back to running the family business.

Haslam is returning to his role as CEO of Pilot Flying J, his Tennessee-based truck-stop empire, a move the Browns say will not affect his involvement with the rebuilding NFL franchise.

Haslam, who bought the Browns for $1 billion from Randy Lerner in August, had stepped down from Pilot Flying J in September when he hired former PepsiCo president John Compton. Haslam wanted to devote his energy into fixing the Browns, who have made just one playoff appearance since 1999 and have undergone numerous coaching and front-office changes.

Haslam's decision is partly based on him hiring former Eagles president Joe Banner as the Browns' new CEO. Last month, Haslam and Banner hired Mike Lombardi as vice president of player personnel.

Team spokesman Neal Gulkis said Haslam's decision to go back to Pilot Flying J will have "no impact on the operations of the Browns nor will it affect Jimmy's involvement with the team."

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