Browns’ Paul DePodesta Leaving to Return to Baseball

Paul DePodesta’s career is taking another dramatic turn. The longtime Cleveland Browns executive is reportedly leaving the NFL to return to his roots in Major League Baseball.

Multiple credible sources indicate he’s on the verge of becoming the head of baseball operations for the Colorado Rockies. This move ends an era where DePodesta tried to reshape the Browns with his analytics-driven approach—an experiment that brought both historic lows and memorable highs.

Now, he’s about to start a new chapter with a franchise in desperate need of revitalization.

From Baseball Visionary to NFL Strategist

Before his time in the NFL, DePodesta was already well known in baseball for his pioneering work in analytics. He played a prominent role in the “Moneyball” revolution.

When the Browns hired him almost a decade ago, it was a bold gamble. He brought baseball-style data modeling into football operations, a meticulous, numbers-first strategy that was rare in the league back then.

Mixed Results in Cleveland

During his tenure, the Browns experienced a rollercoaster of results. The team made two playoff appearances under his influence, but also endured some of the worst seasons in NFL history—a grim 1-15 campaign followed by a winless 0-16 season.

Those early years included an alleged strategy to intentionally lose games and accumulate future assets, which led to a grievance filed by former head coach Hue Jackson. In total, the Browns finished with a 57-101-1 record during DePodesta’s stretch in Cleveland.

While the analytics-based approach brought some success, critics often wondered how much decision-making power he really had. Owner Jimmy Haslam frequently inserted himself into football operations, which complicated things further.

Controversial Decisions and Lasting Impact

The most polarizing decision of DePodesta’s time in Cleveland was trading for quarterback Deshaun Watson. The Browns gave up significant assets and handed Watson a fully guaranteed contract that was unprecedented.

The move drew sharp criticism from fans, media, and league insiders. Many called it one of the worst deals in NFL history—both for its ethical implications and its financial burden.

Balancing Innovation and Instability

On one hand, DePodesta brought a fresh perspective that pushed the Browns to think long-term instead of chasing quick fixes. On the other, the inconsistency in results and front-office power struggles made his legacy in Cleveland pretty tough to define.

A Rocky Mountain Challenge Awaits

Now, DePodesta seems ready to bring his analytical mindset back to baseball, this time with the Colorado Rockies. Reports from ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot say negotiations are advanced and his departure from Cleveland is basically official.

The Rockies present a challenge that might be even greater than what he faced in Cleveland. The team finished with an astounding 119 losses in 2025—a mark that mirrors the Browns’ darkest days in football.

Turning around such a struggling franchise will take more than just statistical analysis. It’ll require a deep cultural shift and smart talent acquisition.

What DePodesta Might Bring to Colorado

Given his history, here are some strategies he might try in Denver:

• Data-driven roster building – using advanced analytics to spot undervalued players.
• Long-term asset accumulation – focusing on future success instead of quick wins.
• Organizational restructuring – streamlining decision-making to avoid front-office interference.
• Player development focus – boosting farm system productivity to sustain success.

The Bigger Picture for Sports Analytics

DePodesta’s career arc—from baseball innovator to NFL strategist and now back to baseball—shows how much analytics have spread across major sports. His return to MLB will be watched closely, not just by Rockies fans but by sports executives everywhere, wondering if his data-driven philosophy can pull off another turnaround.

A Second Act with Familiar Tools

His time in the NFL showed both the promise and the pitfalls of using analytics in team-building. The Rockies might actually suit his style better.

Baseball’s structure lets teams plan for the long haul. Fans and owners tend to have a little more patience, which could give DePodesta the breathing room he needs to put his vision into practice.

Will this move turn out to be a stroke of genius or just another uphill climb? Either way, the world of professional sports is definitely keeping an eye on Paul DePodesta’s next chapter.

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Here is the source article for this story: Browns chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta is going back to baseball