The Cleveland Browns are seeking any leads they can get in the search for their next head coach, including some advice from one of the NFL’s best.
The Browns interviewed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano for their opening Wednesday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The Browns will not hire Schiano, Rapoport reports, but Schiano getting a call so soon after his rocky 4-12 season with the Bucs was thanks to a coaching colleague.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam decided to interview Schiano after New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick recommended his friend for the position.
Schiano, 47, spent two seasons with the Buccaneers. He failed to build an immediate contender and was involved in a controversy surrounding former quarterback Josh Freeman‘s release. The Bucs went just 11-21 under Schiano, including a 4-12 record in 2013 even after an offseason spending spree that included trading for cornerback Darrelle Revis.
The Browns have had trouble finding a head coach this offseason after firing Rob Chudzinski after just one season on the job. Many candidates, including Josh McDaniels, Ken Whisenhunt and Mike Zimmer, have interviewed for the job, but all have either pulled out or taken jobs elsewhere. Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase removed himself from consideration late last week.
Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine seem to be the front-runners for the position at this point.
Belichick has drafted several of Schiano’s former Rutgers players, and Belichick’s son, Stephen, also played for Schiano as a walk-on at Rutgers.
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