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Tracking the latest interview rumors for Browns head coaching vacancy

The Browns fired head coach Freddie Kitchens immediately after their Week 17 loss to close the 2019 season. We take a look at who Cleveland might consider hiring as its next head coach.

By Ameer Tyree Updated
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Cleveland Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens walks the sideline against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium.  David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

1/4, 9:45 a.m. — The Browns are meeting with Robert Saleh in Santa Clara on Saturday.

1/3, 5:50 p.m. — The Browns are scheduled to meet with Bieniemy tonight, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

1/3, 9:30 a.m. — The Browns will interview Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy on Friday.

1/2, 12:31 p.m. — The Browns will interview Bills OC Brian Daboll.

1/2, 9:42 a.m. — The Browns might try and make a push for Urban Meyer, according to Bruce Feldman.

12/31, 10:23 a.m. — The Browns plan to interview the 49ers Mike McDaniel and Mike LaFleur for the HC job.

12/30, 12:36 a.m. — The Browns plan to interview ex-Packers HC Mike McCarthy.

12/30, 12:11 a.m. — The Browns have requested permission to interview 49ers DC Robert Saleh.

12/30, 11:00 a.m. — The Browns have requested permission to interview Ravens OC Greg Roman

12/30, 10:07 a.m. — The Browns have requested permission to interview Patriots OC Josh McDaniels.

The Cleveland Browns are set to begin their search for a new head coach. Freddie Kitchens was fired after one year at the helm. Kitchens was originally hired as running backs coach, and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2018 after head coach and Todd Haley were fired midway through the season. Kitchens was promoted into the head coach role following the season.

Cleveland followed up last year’s 7-8-1 season with a 6-10 season under Kitchens, which was disappointing considering that the team was a sexy pick to win the Super Bowl coming into Week 1. The acquisitions of Odell Beckham Jr. and Kareem Hunt raised the ceiling of a Browns franchise that’s usually an underdog. Now Cleveland is hoping to find a leader that can maximize its potential.

There hasn’t been much talk surrounding who could replace Kitchens, but names like Josh McDaniels and Mike McCarthy have appeared in the rumor mill. McDaniels, the offensive coordinator of the Patriots, has been one of the most sought after coaching prospects in the NFL in recent years. But it seems unlikely that he’ll be lured away from such a consistently good franchise. The Panthers, who also have a vacancy at head coach, are rumored to have interest in McDaniels.

McCarthy was fired by the the Packers last year and has been on the search for his next job ever since. He’s already interviewed with the Panthers and will surely garner interest from several other teams moving forward.

Cleveland’s coach carousel has continued to spin. Whether it finds a long-term solution remains to be seen, but it’ll certainly keep working toward finding one.

Interview

Mike McCarthy — Scott Petrak

Eric Bieniemy — Browns PR

Robert Saleh — Browns PR

Interview requests

Josh McDaniels — Adam Schefter

Greg Roman — Adam Schefter

Mike LaFleur — Adam Schefter

Mike McDaniel — Adam Schefter

Brian Daboll — Mary Kay Cabot

Rumored interest

Urban Meyer — Bruce Feldman

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