CLEVELAND -- Having lived in Cleveland since 1991 as a member of the Indians' organization, Mark Shapiro has become more than a casual observer of the Browns.

And if Shapiro was a fan before, he really has a rooting interest now.

The Browns reportedly reached an agreement with new head coach Eric Mangini on Wednesday. That's good news for Shapiro, because his sister, Julie, is married to Mangini.

"If [Mangini is hired], then I'm obviously, on a personal level, very excited about having Eric and my sister and my nephews here," Shapiro said. "As a Browns fan, I'm also happy, because Eric is an extremely intelligent, hard-working, creative and driven guy. I think he'll ensure their chances to be a championship team again."

Shapiro, of course, is caught up in trying to build his own championship team. And the business of sports can often pull families in different directions. In 18 years in Cleveland, Shapiro hasn't had a member of his immediate family live here in some time, so he considers this development an unexpected -- and very welcome -- one.

"It's certainly a greater draw for the rest of my family to visit, as well," Shapiro said.

Shapiro is indirectly responsible for the love connection that made this all happen. In 1996, when the Browns moved to Baltimore and became the Ravens, Shapiro's good friend, Scott Pioli, moved with them as the director of pro personnel. Shapiro called Julie, who lived in Baltimore, and asked her to show Pioli the neighborhoods around the city so he could decide where to live.

"Scott brought along a young quality control guy named Eric Mangini," Shapiro recalled. "He said to Eric, 'There's any girl in this city to meet up with, but not my friend's sister.'"

Naturally, Mangini broke that little rule.

Mangini and Julie married when he was a defensive assistant for the Jets. He became a quarterbacks coach for the Patriots in 2000 and later became their defensive coordinator before becoming the head coach of the Jets in 2006.

The Jets dismissed Mangini last month, and the Browns came calling.

Let the family reunion begin.

"It's something I never dreamed would happen," Shapiro said. "Good for the Shapiros and good for the Browns.