The Cleveland Browns will have a new coach for the 2014 seasons – that’s for sure. And it’s certainly not going to be Todd Bowles.
The Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator has removed his name from consideration for the Browns’ head-coaching vacancy, according to FOX Sports.
Bowles is following in the footsteps of New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who also withdrew his name from consideration for the position earlier in the process. NFL.com reported the position is being viewed as radioactive, and that candidates are skeptical about interviewing after the team fired Rod Chudzinski after his first season.
The Browns are also reportedly interested in a handful of college coaches, most noticeably Bob Stoops of Oklahoma, as well as former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Munchak, Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and Green Bay Packers quarters coach Ben McAdoo.
While it appears as if the Browns are getting further and further away from naming a head coach, the Minnesota Vikings are seemingly close to pulling the trigger.
Mike Zimmer underwent a second round of interviews with the team Tuesday, and according to ESPN the front office and management are very intrigued by the Cincinnati defensive coordinator’s style.
“Zimmer is meeting with Vikings officials a second time, the first time with members of (Vikings) ownership, including Zygi Wilf,” ESPN insider Ed Werder said Tuesday on “NFL Insiders. “(He hasn’t won the job yet, but sources say (the team likes that Zimmer) is demanding, doesn’t tolerate underachievement and knows how to develop players.”
Werder added that if Zimmer is hired, Mike Mularkey would be his top choice for offensive coordinator. Mularkey served as offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons, and was the head coach of the Buffalo Bills in 2004 and Jacksonville Jaguars in 2012.
According the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Zimmer left the interview with an offer but is expected to stay in Minnesota overnight into Wednesday.
