Josh McDaniels reportedly wants ‘dream job’ with Cleveland Browns

Josh McDaniels has long been connected to the Cleveland Browns because it is his hometown team, and that connection could result in a job this offseason.

The Cleveland Browns are nearing the end of their coaching search, as the organization reportedly plans to have the search wrapped up by Saturday. Cleveland’s final interview will be with Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels on Friday.

McDaniels has been considered Cleveland’s top choice since the start of the search. However, it is not a guarantee he gets the job, as Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski and 49ers defensive coordinator pose as serious threats.

Although there is competition for the job, Cleveland has been the job that McDaniels has wanted this offseason. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, McDaniels considers the Cleveland Browns job his dream and a job that he has wanted.

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McDaniels was a candidate for the Carolina Panthers and New York Giants’ coaching vacancies and had interviews lined up with both. Before McDaniels could interview with either team, however, both teams filled their vacancies.

The Panthers appeared to be a real threat to hire McDaniels, as owner David Tepper reportedly had McDaniels at the top of the list. But after Tepper heard that McDaniels wanted the Browns job and it was his No. 1 choice, Tepper decided to hire Matt Rhule.

Although it may be viewed as cliche, McDaniels’ roots in Cleveland could be too much for the 43-year-old to pass up. With his family and his wife’s family still living in Northeast Ohio, McDaniels coaching for his hometown team while being close to his family could be what he has dreamed about since he started coaching in the NFL.

However, even if the Cleveland Browns are his dream job, it will likely still take the right structure for McDaniels to take the job, if he is even offered the job. It is assumed McDaniels will only take the job if the football operations are lined up the way he wants and if the right people are brought in to surround him.

McDaniels will still have to nail his interview with the team, as there are several serious candidates to become the Browns head coach. But if everything is lined up the right way, the Browns could be the job that lures McDaniels out of New England.