The Cleveland Browns continue to search for a replacement for the one-and-done Rob Chudzinski and will interview former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak on Monday, according to Alex Marvez of FOX Sports.
NFL coaching tracker: Browns interviewing Mike Munchak
The recently fired Titans coach is scheduled to meet with the Browns on Monday, while candidates for his replacement in Tennessee include Seattle’s Dan Quinn and San Diego’s Ken Whisenhunt.
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Munchak, who was fired shortly after Chudzinski, went 7-9 this season and missed the playoffs for a third consecutive year. He went 22-26 in his three seasons in Tennessee.
It seems unlikely that an organization that has stated it wants a proven winner at the helm would hire a man fresh off a failed venture with another team, but you never know with the Browns. They are also reported to have interest in San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase and Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn (they would have to wait until the latter two finish their playoff runs to make official offers, per NFL rules).
Titans, Lions in contention for Ken Whisenhunt
Among the candidates for Munchak’s replacement in Tennessee is Whisenhunt, whose season as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator ended on Sunday night with a loss to the Denver Broncos. Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean reported over the weekend that the Titans were “very interested” in Whisenhunt, who previously spent six years as the head coach in Arizona.
The Detroit Lions are thought to be the clubhouse leaders in the race for Whisenhunt. With the Chargers out of the playoffs, an announcement on his next landing spot is expected soon.
Regardless of whether Whisenhunt heads to Motown, the Titans' primary focus may be in the Emerald City. Team president Tommy Smith is rumored to be "smitten" over Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, even though Seattle's playoff run has prevented him from interviewing. Quinn has shaped the Seahawks into arguably the league's top defensive unit and has them playing in the NFC Championship this weekend.
Vikings schedule second interview with Mike Zimmer
The Minnesota Vikings have been courting Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer for some time now, and the relationship could heat up quickly after a second date this week. According to the Daily Norseman, Zimmer will have a second-round interview with the team on Tuesday and may not leave town afterwards.
If Zimmer indeed stays in Minnesota, he will be the second coordinator the Bengals have lost this month. Offensive coordinator Jay Gruden was hired as the Washington Redskins’ head coach last Thursday.
The Vikings interviewed San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman and defensive line coach Jim Tomsula on Saturday in Charlotte prior to their divisional playoff game against the Carolina Panthers. With the Niners advancing to the NFC Championship, Minnesota won't be able to have a second interview with either until the off week preceding the Super Bowl.
Mel Tucker returning as Bears DC
Despite leading one of the worst defenses in the league in 2013, Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Mel Tucker will be retained for another season, according to Windy City Gridiron.
A pair of his fellow assistants were not so lucky, as defensive line coach Mike Phair and linebackers coach Tim Tibesar have been fired.
The unit finished 30th in both total defense and scoring defense in 2013 and ranked dead last against the run. In fairness, the front seven was decimated by injuries to Lance Briggs, Henry Melton, Nate Collins and others, a fact that may have saved Tucker's job.
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