Cleveland Browns fire head coach Pat Shurmur

The Browns fired head coach Pat Shurmur Monday morning as first reported Jay Glazer of Fox Sports, and general manager Tom Heckert.

The Browns were 9-23 in Shurmur's two seasons as coach, and followed a three-game win streak by losing their last three games by an average of almost 18 points. The team also failed to make the playoffs for the 10th straight season.

The expected firing of Shurmer and Heckert was first reported Saturday by the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

It is the second in a series of moves made by new owner Jimmy Haslam who removed Mike Holmgren as team president in November.

"We felt that these moves were in the best interests of the Cleveland Browns and our future,” Browns Owner Jimmy Haslam said in a team release.  “I enjoyed getting to know Tom and Pat over the past several months, and want to thank them, not just for their contributions to the Browns, but also the insight they were able to provide.  They are both fine men and hope they have the best of success as they move forward with their careers.”

“This decision was not an easy one because of my relationship with Tom and Pat and the fact that they are both quality people,” said Browns CEO Joe Banner.  “Ultimately our objective is to put together an organization that will be the best at everything we do.  On the field, our only goal is trying to win championships.   I have a great deal of respect for Tom and Pat, and I want to wish them and their families nothing but the best.”