Browns fire former director of player development, wide receivers coach Jerry Butler

The Browns have fired Jerry Butler, who served as their director of player development for the past 10 years and their wide receivers coach from 1999-2000, a team spokesman confirmed this afternoon.

The firing of Butler, though, was not related to the NFL's lockout, and the Browns will fill the position, said Neal Gulkis, vice president of media relations.

During his tenure as the organization's director of player development, Butler helped players transition in and out of professional football. He administered programs focused on degree completion, internships, counseling and financial education.

In response to Butler's dismissal, Browns linebacker Scott Fujita posted the following messages on Twitter: "Of all the teams I've played for, Jerry Butler is the best I've seen in that position. ... True professional & a valuable resource for players. He'll be missed at work, but will remain a friend to us all."

Cornerback Eric Wright also chimed in via Twitter with this: "We all understand that things change (and) business isn't always fair but the Browns fired one of the best guys in that building in Jerry Butler."

Butler played for the Buffalo Bills from 1979-87. He was the AFC Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1979, and he earned a Pro Bowl selection a year later.