Cleveland Browns request interview with Todd Bowles

The Cleveland Browns have brought their history of ineptitude and bizarre decisions front and center in the days following the 2013 NFL season. They surprised most everybody by firing Rob Chudzinksi after only one season, and they are already being bold in their pursuit of a new coach.

As reported throughout the day, the list includes New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase (who declined a request for an interview), and Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles.

Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer has the report:

"The club submitted requests to interview Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase, Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, and Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, the former Browns secondary coach.Bowles, who’s also being pursued by the Vikings and Lions, will satisfy the Rooney Rule for the Browns if he interviews here. The rule states that teams must interview at least one minority candidate before making a hire."

Bowles enters the conversation as the man who was in charge of the defense that nearly propelled the Cardinals into the playoffs as the hot team. Instead they finished at 10-6, just outside the playoffs as other teams likely breathed a sigh of relief. If he were to advance in the process for the Browns, he would have the chance to take over a defense with solid foundation pieces in place.

Then again, early indications are that the Browns will look to the offensive side of the ball with their hire, focusing on McDaniels. Which, as the saying goes, they do at their own risk.