Cleveland Browns lose GM Kokinis

The Cleveland Browns are currently without a general manager after George Kokinis left the club under unexplained circumstances.

After reports surfaced that Kokinis was fired, the team issued an awkwardly worded statement Monday night saying the GM "is no longer actively involved with the organisation". The Browns also denied reports that Kokinis was escorted from their team headquarters.

Kokinis' apparent ousting came one day after owner Randy Lerner said he wanted to hire a "strong, credible, serious" football adviser to help run his struggling team, which is off to a 1-7 start. Kokinis was hired on January 23, two weeks after the Browns named Eric Mangini as their fourth coach since 1999.

The Browns said they would withhold further comment "in the interest of protecting the parties involved".

Before coming to Cleveland, Kokinis spent 13 years with Baltimore, the past six seasons as the Ravens' director of pro personnel. He had little or no authority with the Browns as Mangini, who was fired by the New York Jets after last season, has enjoyed full control over football operations.

It is unclear if Kokinis was fired or forced out.