Nathan Zegura picked to replace Doug Dieken as radio analyst; Jerod Cherry takes over as sideline reporter

Nathan Zegura will make the big jump from the sideline to the broadcast booth and step into the large void left by Doug Dieken.Dieken retired as analyst on the Browns radio broadcasts at the end of last season after 34 seasons. Zegura will fill the role alongside play-by-play announcer Jim Donovan, the team announced Wednesday.Zegura was promoted from sideline reporter, a job he held since 2014. Jerod Cherry will take Zegura's spot on the sideline.NFL Draft 2022: Clevelander Gabe Brkic would get a real kick out playing for the Browns"We're excited to move Nathan to the broadcast booth and Jerod will be an outstanding addition to the broadcast team as they join the revered and legendary voice of the Browns, Jim Donovan," Browns executive vice president and partner JW Johnson said in the news release. "We know this group will continue to provide Browns fans with an entertaining, informative broadcast filled with unique storylines and special insights every week that brings them even closer to the on-field action and the team they love."Donovan joined Dieken in the booth when the franchise returned in 1999. The booth at FirstEnergy Stadium has been renamed "The Doug Dieken Radio Booth," and Donovan is ready for the next chapter."It really is a new era — and I'm very excited about it," Donovan said. "I'm really happy for both guys because it's a wonderful job, in both circumstances, to be a part of a team like the Browns and be a part of a radio team each and every week. I know both guys are going to enjoy that."Zone Coverage: Episode 97The Browns considered former players to replace Dieken — 10-time Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas was interested in the job but said it's not the right time for his family — but went with Zegura, who joined the organization in 2013. He's been the host of the team's in-house radio show "Cleveland Browns Daily" since 2014.Zegura filled in for Dieken in 2017 during a game in London."It all still feels surreal to me," Zegura said. "This is a dream come true. It's amazing, and I get to go do it with the best play-by-play guy in the NFL, and that will make things a lot easier."Cherry was a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots during a nine-year NFL career and has worked as a broadcaster in Cleveland since 2014, including his current role on ESPN Cleveland's "The Next Level.""I'm very excited to work with a great team of guys who are knowledgeable and know the game very well and do a great job of presenting it to bring the fans into the game," he said. "I think it's going to be a great combination and a great mix of us all sharing perspectives."