Mike Holmgren on team sale: Browns owner Randy Lerner giving up controlling interest

BEREA, Ohio - Cleveland Browns President Mike Holmgren said Friday the team is in negotiations with a buyer.

Holmgren addressed the media at a 2 p.m. news conference Friday.

Holmgren wants to reassure Browns fans that the franchise is not leaving Cleveland like it did when Art Modell was the owner back in 1995 when the team moved to Baltimore.

Current team owner Randy Lerner is giving up controlling interest in the team, Holmgren said.

Lerner on Friday admitted through the team that he had negotiations with Tennessee businessman Jimmy Haslam. Haslam is a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and his father is the founder of the Pilot convenience store chain.

This is the statement issued by the Browns:

"In connection with current rumors and press inquiries, I can report that I've been approached by Mr. Jimmy Haslam, who is interested in making an investment in the Cleveland Browns.  We are currently in negotiations and both sides have agreed to keep that dialogue and its details private. Given that any transaction would require League approval, care has been taken so that this process will not be disruptive to the organization, in particular the football team, as it prepares for the upcoming season. We will share further details or make an announcement if it becomes necessary."

Holmgren wants to reassure the loyal fan base that the franchise is only 13 years into a 30-year lease.

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson's office issued this statement mentioning that lease Friday:

"The Cleveland Browns have some of the most loyal and passionate fans which have helped make it one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world. The city took precautionary measures to ensure that fans would be able to cheer on the Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium for years to come.

"The 30-year lease to the Cleveland Browns commenced in 1999 and continues to 2029. This lease, like the prior Municipal Stadium lease for which the City of Cleveland successfully obtained an injunction in 1995, requires the Browns to play all their regular season and playoff home games in the Cleveland Browns Stadium. If this requirement is not honored the city has legal options that could be pursued if necessary."

Randy Lerner took ownership of the Browns back in 2002 after his father Al Lerner passed away. Al Lerner owned the Browns when the franchise returned to the National Football League in 1999.