Report: Josh McDaniels Likely on Short List to Be Next Coach of Cleveland Browns

by NESN Staff on Sun, Dec 9, 2012 at 12:06PM

The Cleveland Browns are in the middle of a makeover.

Plenty of rumors are stirring about who the franchise will bring in to run the show next year, and it should be no surprise that Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is among the names being offered.

McDaniels’ ability to work on schemes and run offenses has never been in question, but whether he gets another head coaching job after his time in Denver is still up in the air. Most teams are understandably concerned about whether McDaniels can run a team after seeing his fast start with the Broncos implode into a 11-17 record. Coaches, players and front office types were all rubbed the wrong way by the confident, in-control McDaniels.

McDaniels’ best chance at head coaching again may be with the Browns.

The team is reportedly courting the NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi to be the franchise’s next general manager. While Lombardi could bring Alabama head coach Nick Saban with him, Greg Bedard of The Boston Globe points out that Lombardi and Patriots coach Bill Belichick still have a tight relationship. Lombardi has done some scouting for Belichick, and the NFL analyst has spoken kindly of McDaniels’ ability as a coach before. Being from the same “coaching tree” as Lombardi could be the advantage McDaniels needs to run a team again.

Bedard said the Browns are also likely interested in Oregon coach Chip Kelly.