Cleveland Browns request permission to interview Josh McDaniels

The Cleveland Browns have asked the Patriots for permission to interview Josh McDaniels for their vacant head coaching position per Adam Schefter

It’s only been a few hours since the Cleveland Browns season ended with a thud in Cincinnati and there’s already been plenty of news coming out of Berea.

The biggest piece of news was the firing of head coach Freddie Kitchens, which sadly took no one by surprise. Since then, we’ve heard some rumblings that included Baylor coach Matt Rhule saying he had no interest in the job.

In addition to that, there were reports that Josh McDaniels and Mike McCarthy were the front-runners for the opening. And just as quickly as that news has come in, we get more rumblings from the team’s headquarters.

According to NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the Browns have already requested permission to interview McDaniels, who is currently in the playoffs as the New England Patriots offensive coordinator.

McDaniels has previous head coaching experience, albeit very brief. In 2009 he was named head coach of the Denver Broncos but was fired 12 games into his second season. Overall, he was 11-17 as things blew up quickly for him after a hot start.

He then returned to the Patriots — following a brief stint as the Rams OC — where he has coached since. Ahead of the 2018 season, McDaniels was named head coach of the Indianapolis Colts but infamously backed out just before his introductory conference.

Due to his indecision, there will be a major concern for anyone who does hire McDaniels. However, there’s a belief he does want the Cleveland job which is still attractive considering the talent on this team.

The Browns are also expected to interview Mike McCarthy, who remains a front runner due to his Super Bowl experience and relationship with John Dorsey.