Report: Browns hire Michael Lombardi as VP of player personnel

The Cleveland Browns have hired Michael Lombardi as vice president of player personnel, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.

Lombardi, currently an analyst for NFL Network and NFL.com, previously directed player personnel for the Raiders and Browns. His NFL front-office resume also includes terms with the 49ers, Eagles and Broncos.

Lombardi’s history with the Browns linked him to the team’s search for a new general manager/player personnel chief since new owner Jimmy Haslam fired GM Tom Heckert and head coach Pat Shurmur on Dec. 31.

The Browns hired Rob Chudzinski as head coach on Jan. 11 and hired Norv Turner as offensive coordinator Thursday.

Lombardi worked with the Browns during Bill Belichick’s term as head coach (1991-1995) and is believed by some to still provide scouting for Belichick’s Patriots game plans.

“He still puts the game plans together for Bill Belichick,” Brian Baldinger, Lombardi’s NFL Network colleague, told 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland in December.

“I see the stuff being used week in, week out. There’s no question that Bill uses the advanced scouting Mike delivers to him.”

Browns hired Michael Lombardi as GM.—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 18, 2013

Update: Michael Lombardi's title in Cleveland will be VP player personnel.—
Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 18, 2013