Cleveland Browns Hiring Surprising Candidate As Coach
The Cleveland Browns are hiring a surprising candidate as coach, it would appear.
Going into this process, New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was widely regarded as the favorite to take over for Freddie Kitchens.
On Friday, McDaniels flew to Cleveland with his wife to do the formal interview. Many thought that the Patriots coordinator would simply be offered the job on the spot. He was not.
Browns management said they needed some time to think about their next move, which indicates that McDaniels probably is not their guy.
So if it is not McDaniels landing the gig, who is?
According to ESPN NFL insider Chris Mortensen, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll could get the nod after a particularly strong interview.
The @Browns interviewed eight candidates, including McDaniels and three current playoff coordinators (Bienemy, Saleh, Stefanski). If there’s a “sleeper” it is Bills OC Brian Daboll, who had a strong interview, via sources.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) January 11, 2020
“The Browns interviewed eight candidates, including [Josh] McDaniels and three current playoff coordinators [Chiefs OC Eric] Bienemy, [49ers DC Robert] Saleh and [Kevin] Stefanski,” he said.
“If there’s a ‘sleeper’ it is Bills OC Brian Daboll, who had a strong interview.”
If not Daboll, Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski is also considered a favorite.
The Browns came into the 2019 season with a lot of hype. Many considered the team a dark horse contender to make the playoffs.
Unfortunately, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. found himself battling injuries all year long and quarterback Baker Mayfield regressed from his rookie campaign.
As a result, Kitchens was shown the door after just one year on the job.
Who will ultimately replace him? Time will tell. But the fact that McDaniels did not get the job immediately indicates that it will probably be someone somewhat unexpected.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
