Mike Keenan named Browns president

5/22/2008 2:38 PM

By TOM WITHERS
AP Sports Writer

CLEVELAND (AP) -Mike Keenan was named team president of the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, formally filling a position left vacant when John Collins resigned two years ago.

Keenan has handled the club's off-the-field affairs as its vice president of business operations since 2005.

A 10-year member of the NFL's Management Council before joining the Browns, Keenan will now be in control of the club's non-football operations and act as a league liaison for owner Randy Lerner.

``Mike is deserving of this appointment,'' general manager Phil Savage said in a release. ``He has worked extremely hard in strengthening the Browns business operations and has been a valuable resource in dealing with the league office.

``We have an excellent working relationship and both of us, along with (coach) Romeo (Crennel), are committed to helping this organization reach its full potential and win as many games as possible in the future.''

With the league, Keenan's responsibilities included financial matters involving the collective bargaining agreement and salary cap. During his time with the Browns, he has enhanced the club's sales, marketing and corporate relationships.

Keenan took on a larger role with the team in 2006 after Collins resigned after losing a power struggle with Savage. Although he didn't have the president's title, Keenan has been working as Lerner's top non-football aide for some time.

``I am appreciative of Randy Lerner for giving me this opportunity,'' Keenan said. ``We have incredible fans and Cleveland is a dynamic community. I am excited to be part of it.''