paul depodesta (born december 16, 1972) is an american football executive and former baseball executive who is the chief strategy officer for the cleveland browns of the national football league (nfl). he previously served as a front-office assistant for the cleveland indians, oakland athletics, and new york mets. depodesta was also general manager of the los angeles dodgers. the year after leading the dodgers to their first playoff win in 16 years, he was fired after the 2005 club finished with its worst record in 11 years. he was the ninth general manager in the club's history since its move to los angeles. he is also known for his appearance in the book and movie "moneyball" about his time with the athletics.