The Cleveland Browns' prolonged coaching search is near an end, according to multiple reports on Wednesday. Mike Pettine remains the favorite after Browns officials met for a second time with the Bills defensive coordinator, but there are two other candidates under consideration.
Browns down to 3 head coaching finalists, per report
Cleveland’s coach search is apparently down to three candidates: Bills DC Mike Pettine, Seahawks DC Dan Quinn and former Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano.
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Spor
Pettine is a long-time trusted assistant to Rex Ryan, spending time with him in Baltimore and with the Jets. Under Pettine, the Bills' defense broke a franchise record for sacks in 2013 with 57.
Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is also on the Browns' radar as a possible candidate. Quinn is currently in his second stint with the Seahawks, having spent a year away coaching at the University of Florida. Browns officials plan to talk with Quinn in the New York/New Jersey area this week and must get any interview conducted at least before the Super Bowl.
But wait! There’s more!
Ian Rapoport reported that Browns officials were in Florida on Wednesday morning interviewing a third candidate, reportedly former Rutgers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano, per Scott Roussel of Football Scoop and Alex Marvez of Fox Sports.
A source told Ian Rappaport of NFL.com that Schiano wouldn’t be hired by the Browns, but Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported Schiano is “very much alive” for the job.
Another report claimed the Browns talked with Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, but that the discussions were informal and that the team could return to him as a candidate if needed.
More from SB Nation NFL
See More:
