[Courtesy of newsnet5.com]
CLEVELAND – It has been speculated and appears through their initial reported interviews that the Browns are looking for a head coach to revitalize an offense that has sputtered over the years. Bruce Arians is one top offensive coordinator the Browns have requested to interview. Here are some other names you may hear mentioned if the Browns further expand their search.
Josh McDaniels
The Patriots offensive coordinator has head coaching experience, leading the Broncos in 2008 and part of 2009. McDaniels got off to a quick start, winning his first six games as a head coach. However, it all spiraled downhill from there, as McDaniels went 5-17 and was fired after week 13 of the 2009 season.
McDaniels cleaned house in Denver, ridding the team of its “franchise” players at the time, Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall. He opted for Kyle Orton at quarterback and drafted Tim Tebow with a first round pick.
However, McDaniels is not likely to be a part of the Browns’ search. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that while McDaniels would like to be a head coach again one day, he informed the Patriots he will not interview for open jobs this offseason.
Mike McCoy
When it comes to transforming offenses and working with what you have, there may be no more impressive candidate than the Broncos’ offensive coordinator. In the past two seasons, McCoy has reinvented his offense to accommodate completely different quarterbacks. With Tim Tebow under center, McCoy created a zone read system that catered to the quarterback’s strengths and became a top rushing offense. Despite Tebow’s passing deficiencies, McCoy was able to concoct an offense good enough to get the Broncos to the playoffs and win a game.
In 2012, Peyton Manning came to the Broncos, so McCoy again had to install a new offense on short notice. He has passed that test again with flying colors.
McCoy’s pension for making an offense work with different quarterbacks would be a plus for a Browns team that has lacked an offensive pulse and is desperate for quarterback stability.
McCoy was a finalist for the Miami Dolphins’ head coaching position last year. He reportedly interviewed with the Eagles Sunday in Denver.
Greg Roman
When it comes to beleaguered quarterbacks stagnating with their original franchise, San Francisco’s Alex Smith was the standard bearer. The former number one pick was once beaten out by Shaun Hill for the starting job.
However, with Jim Harbaugh as head coach and Roman as offensive coordinator, Smith went from liability to strength, leading the 49ers to the NFC Championship.
Roman has been criticized for some questionable play-calling this season but the offense has still been efficient with a new and young quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, under center.
Reports have Roman tied to freshly hired Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell. Some have said Roman could come as a package deal with Smith for a team in need of a quarterback. The Bears have reportedly requested an interview.
Kyle Shanahan
The Browns saw full well just how effective Shanahan’s scheme can be in Week 14 this season. With Kirk Cousins filling in for RGIII, the Washington Football Team didn’t skip a beat, effectively utilizing play action to come away with a 38-21 win.
Washington finished the season with the NFL’s fifth best offense, one based on a zone read scheme. While Brandon Weeden may not be the ideal quarterback for that system, the Browns’ reported initial top choice, Chip Kelly, runs that type of system in college at Oregon.
Shanahan became the league’s youngest coordinator when he was given the reigns of the Texans’ offense as a 28-year-old in 2008. Now 33, Shanahan has some years of experience but would become one of the youngest head coaches in NFL history.
Shanahan has said he would definitely be interested in head coaching opportunities. He has not yet been contacted by any teams.
Tom Clements
Green Bay has had one of the league’s most high-octane offenses over the past few seasons and Clements is the current offensive coordinator. Aaron Rodgers has offered support for Clements and the guidance he has provided.
Before taking over the offense this season, Clements was the Packers’ quarterback coach for six seasons, working with Rodgers, Matt Flynn and Brett Favre. He was chosen for the position after Joe Philibin left to be the Dolphins’ head coach.
One question mark about Clements, which was also one for Philibin, is that while he’s the offensive coordinator, it’s not him but head coach Mike McCarthy calling plays.
Clements is reportedly one of a bevy of candidates for the Bears’ head coaching vacancy.
Likelihood
Again, none of these coaches have yet been reported as candidates for the Browns’ head coaching position. That could change, however, if the Browns are not blown away by anyone they have already interviewed.
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