Five NFL head-coaching vacancies have been filled following the regular season, and one team remains in the hunt for a new head coach — the Cleveland Browns.
Many names have surfaced as potential candidates, including coordinators Josh McDaniels and Todd Bowles, both of whom have removed their name from consideration, as well as Gus Malzahn of Auburn and Bob Stoops of Oklahoma, both of whom seem unlikely to leave the college ranks at this point.
But while some reports have indicated the Browns’ job is being viewed as radioactive after the team parted ways with Rob Chudzinski and his staff after one season, team owner Jimmy Haslam stated the organization is just being patient in order to find the right fit at head coach.
In a letter to season-ticket holders Wednesday, Haslam wrote the team is exercising patience in their head-coaching search and is awaiting the conclusion of the postseason in order to interview some coordinators still coaching this weekend.
Those coordinators are Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase and Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, both of whom have been considered for the previous openings. ESPN mentions Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine and Dallas Cowboys special teams coach Rich Bisaccia as candidates as well. Former Tennessee Titans coach Mike Munchak also remains in the mix.
According to NFL coaching rumors on Cleveland.com, Gase — considered the Browns’ top choice — is being advised by his agent to pass on a head-coaching gig this season because there’s a chance more intriguing jobs will open up after the 2014 season. Broncos executive John Elway has also made it clear that he hopes Gase returns next season.
The report also indicates Quinn, who was coveted by the Titans before they hired Ken Whisenhunt, is also very high on the team’s radar, and should Seattle lose to the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, a second interview should be expected.
