The Cleveland Browns are closing in on a coach and have reportedly narrowed the list down to two candidates, including Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine. The Pittsburgh Steelers, meanwhile, hired ex-Tennessee Titans coach Mike Munchak as offensive line coach.
"League sources believe Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine has emerged as the favorite, though Cleveland has not made any decision," Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen of ESPN wrote on Wednesday. "Pettine will be one of two candidates to fly to Cleveland to interview with the Browns again on Thursday.
"The Browns also spoke Wednesday morning with Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, sources said."
It's uncertain if Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is still in contention for the Cleveland job. After Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase withdrew his name from consideration, Quinn reportedly became the Browns' top choice to replace ex-coach Rob Chudzinski.
Another candidate for Cleveland's coaching vacancy, Munchak, who the Browns recently interviewed, is now also off the list. Pittsburgh hired Munchak on Wednesday as the offensive line coach, the Houston Chronicle reports.
Cleveland's instability in their front office is a deterrent for prospective coaches, according to several reports. Chudzinski was fired after just one season, and the revolving door of front office personnel may have helped sway Gase to stay another year in Denver, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Gase's agent, Bob LaMonte, felt Cleveland wouldn't allow his client time to grow into the job. The Browns also previously fired two of LaMonte's clients, Broncos director of pro personnel Tom Heckert and Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur.
The Browns are the only remaining NFL team without a coach.
