Browns receive permission from Patriots to interview Josh McDaniels

Dec 8, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels looks on during the fourth quarter of New England

In more of a matter of process than anything else, the New England Patriots have granted permission to the Cleveland Browns to interview Josh McDaniels, who is believed to be the overwhelming favorite for the head coaching job.  There have been a few candidates who have turned down interviews from the Browns as well as other teams, but those were by the people involved as opposed to the teams.

Both Adam Gase, the offensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos and Todd Bowles, the defensive coordinator of the Arizona Cardinals have done just that to focus on their playoff run.  Both appear content to stay in their respective coordinating jobs for foreseeable future, but could potentially interview and take a head coaching job after their playoff runs have ended.  McDaniels did this last year with the Patriots.

Some reports are suggesting that the Browns have already had third party contact with McDaniels and that they have all but made him the head coach of the team already.  That cannot happen officially until several I’s are dotted and T’s crossed, but that is a popular theory.