Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase became the third coordinator to request that his name be withdrawn from consideration for the Cleveland Browns’ head-coaching vacancy, The Denver Posted reported Tuesday.
Gase, rumored to be the top target of the Browns, joins the likes of New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles who both previously stated they would prefer not be the next coach of the team.
Gase originally denied the team’s request to interview until the Broncos’ playoff run was over.
Previously, NFL.com reported that Gase, 35, would need “a perfect situation” in order to leave Denver and would perhaps spurn the Browns’ request to interview him after the Super Bowl. CBS Sports reported something similar, and added Gase may not consider any head-coaching gigs until 2015.
Next up on the Browns’ wish list is Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who has already interviewed with the team during the Hawks’ playoff bye week and is likely to undergo a second round of conversations following the Super Bowl. Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine and Dallas Cowboys special teams coach Rich Bisaccia also remain candidates for the job.
According to NFL.com, Quinn would consider former Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan or former Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak as his offensive coordinator. According to CBS Sports, former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak, who interviewed for the head-coaching position, could be hired as an assistant, perhaps as an offensive line coach.
On Sunday, a CBS Sports report surfaced indicating Browns owner Jimmy Haslam the team considers itself in a “win-now mode,” and is willing to trade up in May’s draft to select former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel. In addition, the front office is willing to take advantage of its abundant cap space, and perhaps a willingness to spend money during the offseason could lure in Quinn, one of the most coveted assistant coaches.
