The Cleveland Browns are interested in interviewing former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to be their next head coach, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Browns are interested in Condoleezza Rice for their head coaching job, per report
Rice would be the first woman head coach in the NFL, if hired.
James Dator has been covering a wide range of sports for SB Nation for over a decade, with a special focus on the NFL.
General manager John Dorsey said in an interview last week that he’s open to the idea of hiring a woman as the team’s next head coach, but Rice’s name wasn’t believed to be a possibility. Several teams around the NFL have women on staff, including Katie Sowers, an offensive assistant with the 49ers, Kathryn Smith a quality control assistant with the Bills and Kelsey Martinez of the Raiders, who is a member of the strength and conditioning staff.
Rice’s experience in football has been largely limited to the collegiate level, and strictly in an administrative role. From 2013-16 she served on the College Football Playoff Selection committee until her term on the board reached its limit.
Currently the desire is simply to interview Rice and see what she could bring to the organization, according to the report — however one source inside the organization called Rice “an amazing person,” when asked by ESPN. The move would be unconventional, but nothing particularly out of the ordinary for an organization known for taking the path less traveled when it comes to hiring staff.
Rice is a self-avowed Browns fan, having publicly supported the team numerous times over the years.
It’s unclear at this time whether Rice would be receptive to interviewing for the Browns coaching job.
Update: Following the report the Browns denied that they are interested in Rice at this time for their head coaching position.
“I love my Browns -- and I know they will hire an experienced coach to take us to the next level.
On a more serious note, I do hope that the NFL will start to bring women into the coaching profession as position coaches and eventually coordinators and head coaches. One doesn’t have to play the game to understand it and motivate players. But experience counts -- and it is time to develop a pool of experienced women coaches.
BTW -- I’m not ready to coach but I would like to call a play or two next season if the Browns need ideas! And at no time will I call for a “prevent defense.”
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