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Right now, the Carolina Panthers are in the midst of an intense playoff battle against the San Francisco 49ers. In a report by Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, the Cleveland Browns might be interested in interviewing Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott once the Panthers are out of the postseason:
If the Panthers lose this weekend, there is a good chance the Browns interview Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott, as they continue to evaluate potential replacements and continue their search.
As a follow-up to La Canfora's report, Joe Person, who is a Panthers beat writer for the Charlotte Observer, doesn't think the Browns have expressed formal interest in McDermott yet:
On reports DC Sean McDermott may interview w/ #Browns if CAR loses today, might happen but doesn't sound like CLE has asked permission yet.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) January 12, 2014
McDermott actually has a big connection to Browns CEO Joe Banner. McDermott held various defensive coaching positions with the Philadelphia Eagles from 1999-2011. It's actually a bit of a surprise that we haven't heard McDermott being considered as a candidate sooner, given the long-time connection. We'll see if anything develops between the Browns and McDermott, as Cleveland is expected to possibly take a couple of more weeks before naming their next head coach.