Browns coaching search: Where the Browns stand right now

Dec 8, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; A Cleveland Browns helmet sits on the sidelines during the fourth quarter of New England

The Cleveland Browns have reportedly been told that New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has withdrawn his name from consideration for the head coaching job.  He was long thought to be a heavy favorite for the job (I thought it was going to happen), so with him out of the way, where do the Browns stand in their search.

Dan Quinn, Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator – Interviewed

Todd Bowles, Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator – Interviewed

Ben McAdoo, Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach – Interviewed

James Franklin, Vanderbilt head coach – Requested Interview, current favorite to land at Penn State

Gus Malzahn, Auburn head coach – Reported interest but no movement so far.

Adam Gase, Denver Broncos offensive coordinator – Requested Inteview, but along with the Minnesota Vikings, turned down for now to focus on the playoffs.

Josh McDaniels, New England Patriots offensive coordinator – Interviewed.  Took name out of consideration.

There are certain trends that have emerged.  CEO Joe Banner keeps saying that they want continuity and referencing how they had Andy Reid for 14 years in Philadelphia.  The Browns have not interviewed all young candidates.  Malzahn is the oldest at 48 but most in their 30s.  The Browns are supposed to be favoring an offensive coach, but have interviewed a pair of defensive coordinators.  They have no had a preference for coaches with or without head coaching experience or even NFL experience.

It will be interesting to see where the search progresses from here, but this is where they are at this point.