Cleveland Browns rumors: 5 head coaching candidates

2. Josh McDaniels

McDaniels’ short, failed stint as head coach of the Denver Broncos (11-17 in 2009-2010) has faded from memory by this point. After a year under the radar as offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams, McDaniels has been back as Patriots offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach since 2012.

McDaniels has the luxury of making sure his second chance as an NFL head coach is the perfect fit. The Detroit Lions, with former Patriots scout and personnel man Bob Quinn as general manager, was thought to be off the table with Jim Caldwell’s signed and reported months later contract extension. But Caldwell is reportedly not guaranteed anything beyond next season, and his firing is still possible come Sunday night or Monday.

The history of Bill Belichick’s coaching tree as head coaches is not very good (Eric Mangini, Romeo Crennel, Charlie Weis, McDaniels himself the first time around). But McDaniels is still just 41 years old, and as an offensive mind he will be an appealing candidate for multiple head coaching jobs again this year.

The Browns have to have McDaniels on their list of options to replace Jackson, even if they ultimately fall down the list of interviews he takes and they wind up having to move on to other candidates fairly quickly.