Browns interviewed Wisconsin head coach Gary Andersen

Nov 30, 2013; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Gary Andersen during the game with Pen State at Camp Randall Stadium. Penn State defeated Wisconsin 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns had ‘secretly interviewed’ Wisconsin head coach Gary Andersen as part of their coaching search, according to a report by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.  Andersen confirmed the meeting today.  Andersen was a first year head coach for the Badgers after being hired from Utah State.

This adds another name to the list of coaching interviews they had and confirms their consideration of coaches in the college ranks.  The team had reportedly had an interest in Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn and Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin and while the team did request permission to interview Franklin, he ultimately ended up at Penn State.  The assumption is Malzahn privately told the Browns he was not interested.

The Browns ultimately hired Mike Pettine but in light of the moves made in Berea today, Andersen’s name came out as part of the search amid speculation that new general manager Ray Farmer might want his own coaching hire, despite all logic and sanity.