Ex-Cleveland Browns GM Sashi Brown Hired by Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards announced three hires for their front office Monday, highlighted by former Cleveland Browns general manager Sashi Brown.

According to the release, Brown will serve as the organization's chief planning and operations officer. The role does not appear to have anything related to basketball operations.

Candace Buckner of the Washington Post reported Brown's role will be focused on "technology, finance, communications, security, research and player engagement" for the Wizards, Washington Mystics, Capital City Go-Go and Wizards District Gaming. 

“We have formed a new leadership team with a forward-thinking structure to adapt to the ‘new NBA’ that requires every possible strategic advantage to compete and win,” chairman Ted Leonsis said. “We are building a leadership brain trust with deep Wizards/NBA experience and with sports professionals from inside and outside the NBA to challenge our thinking and adapt to an ever-increasing competitive environment.”

Additional hires announced included Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard, which was previously reported, and Daniel Medina as chief of athlete care and performance for the four teams. Leonsis also announced a new athlete development and engagement department that will be spearheaded by former Georgetown coach John Thompson III.

Brown, 43, was with the Browns organization from 2013 through 2017. He ran the football operations department from January 2016 through December 2017, employing a Process-esque strategy to team building that included jettisoning veterans in favor of draft picks. The Browns went 1-31 during his tenure but have begun to see the fruits of his labor under new general manager John Dorsey.

Brown previously served as the lead counsel for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2005 to 2012. He'll be bringing his extensive law background to Washington along with his experience working on all sides of a professional sports organization.

Brown has no prior experience in the NBA.