BEREA, Ohio -- The Cleveland Browns stunned their fans and the NFL on Tuesday by sweeping out the front-office structure that owner Jimmy Haslam set up only a year ago.

Haslam announced that CEO Joe Banner would leave the organization in two months and that general manager Mike Lombardi also is leaving.

Ray Farmer was promoted to GM effective immediately, with Alec Scheiner taking over as president. Farmer and Scheiner, along with recently hired coach Mike Pettine, will report directly to Haslam.

Haslam said he and Banner started talking about restructuring the organization two weeks ago, and the result is what was put in place Tuesday.

The end result is that Haslam has replaced the man he hired to build the organization along with the GM who Banner brought in to pick the players.

Ray Farmer replaces Mike Lombardi, left, in Cleveland, becoming the seventh African-American general manager in the NFL. AP Photo/David Richard

"I think Joe will tell you that putting together an organization is what he was comfortable doing," Haslam said. "He's set us up for success, and now it's time to move forward."

"It is bittersweet leaving the Browns organization," Banner said in a statement released by the team. "I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Jimmy Haslam and helping him set the infrastructure for this franchise. I am proud of the talented individuals we brought in to help lead this team and feel that the Cleveland Browns are in good hands moving forward."

Haslam described the former structure that had Banner making final decisions on personnel as cumbersome and said the new structure would be more streamlined. He had nothing but praise and thanks for Banner and Lombardi.

Farmer becomes the seventh African-American GM in the league, a new high for a single season. Farmer said that reality is a matter of pride to him, and he's happy his parents could see it happen.