Determined to put the 2011 Super Bowl behind them, Cleveland Browns are simultaneously wielding the big broom and hiring new staff. The removal of some veteran players is calculated to serve two purposes. The first is to infuse new blood and the second is to save money. As much as $19 million is projected to being saved in terms of base salaries. The most significant induction is of the St. Louis’ offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur as coach of Browns, replacing the sacked Browns coach Eric Mangini. A new regime is underway.

The best known head to roll is that of Shaun Rogers, their nose tackle who tipped the scales at over 350 pounds. Dogged by injury through most of the season last year, Rogers had been projected to earn $500,000 in roster bonus apart from his regular salary of $5.5 million. Eric Barton, their veteran linebacker, expressed his regret at being released by declaring that he would miss the great friends he had made there. Their other veteran linebacker David Bowens had proven his value as a leader. He also was dogged by knee injury but managed to play well going so far as to aid the upset victory over New Orleans by returning two interceptions for touchdowns.

John St. Clair, who played as right offensive tackle and missed five games because of an ankle injury, and Kenyon Coleman, their defensive ender, have both been allowed to go. These terminations of contracts will have long term implications for the team. How it spells out in terms of performance, and more importantly as match winning performance, remains to be seen.

That was the story on the firing side. Let us see what it was like on the hiring side. Mark Whipple came on board as the quarterbacks coach, though he used to be with Miami as their offensive coordinator. He had served with Hurricanes for two seasons and had been tipped to take over as the coach of Connecticut. Whipple’s association with Shurmur goes back to 2008 when both were in Philadelphia Eagles.

Dwaine Board, who served as the defensive line coach with Oakland in 2009, will continue to serve in the same capacity with Browns too. Bill Davis is not new to Browns, though his appointment as linebackers coach is. His father had been director of player personnel at Browns. Wide receivers coach Mike Wilson has been brought in from Las Vegas of the UFL.