Report: Matt Rhule not interested in Cleveland Browns HC opening
By Dan Justik
The Cleveland Browns could cast a wide net in their search for their next head coach, but Baylor head coach Matt Rhule does not seem to be in the running.
The Cleveland Browns search for their next head coach will begin on Monday, but it will not include one of the hottest names in football. Baylor head coach Matt Rhule is expected to receive plenty of interest from NFL teams, but he is not interested in the Browns opening, according to multiple reports.
Former NFL executive, Michael Lombardi, now with The Athletic first reported Sunday night that Rhule is not interested in the Browns head coach opening. Then Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported that he doubts Rhule would go anywhere other than the Cowboys or the Giants.
Rhule has become a hot name in the NFL because of his ability to build and institute a program. His job turning around the Baylor University football team in three years as the program dealt with heavy sanctions has made Rhule a top candidate for NFL teams.
I’m told Matt Rhule won’t have any interest in the Browns. Cross them off.
— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiNFL) December 30, 2019
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The Browns job could be viewed differently by several candidates for head coaching jobs. They could be a top destination because of the talent on the roster and the presence of a potential franchise quarterback in Baker Mayfield. There is also still room to add to the roster as Cleveland has extra draft picks and cap space available.
On the other hand, the Browns job could be viewed as a death wish for head coaches. Since taking over as owners in 2012, the Haslam’s have hired four head coaches. They will now be hiring their fifth this offseason. They are not patient with the coaching staff if they do not perform at a high level, so coaches could be deterred to take the job at the risk of hurting their reputation.
It is unknown if the Browns would have had interest in Rhule because they likely have their sights set on a veteran head coach. After Freddie Kitchens struggled to lead the locker room and handle game management decisions, the Browns ownership and front office will likely want someone who has proven experience doing both.
However, Rhule looks like he is prepared to be a head coach after what he has been able to do at the college level. He is able to connect with the players and it results in success on the field. He will be a hot commodity during this coaching cycle, so his lack of interest in the Browns is alarming.
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The Browns will have their options to pick from for their head coaching vacancy. However, they may not get a chance to interview all of the candidates they want to, and it could result in a smaller candidate list than they would have preferred. Rhule may only be one coach not interested in the Browns job, but it would not be surprising if there are others because of the reputation of the Haslam’s.