According to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, one of the deterrents to enticing candidates for the Cleveland Browns' head coaching vacancy? Former head coach Rob Chudzinski, who was fired after just one year:
Other problems: Candidates have been calling Rob Chudzinski, who I’m told has been honest. Tough to lure candidates after one-and-done
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 12, 2014
Rapoport's colleague, Albert Breer, supported the notion of Cleveland's front office being radioactive:
You get the increasing feeling, talking to people around the league, that the Browns job is seen as radioactive. Tough spot for them.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 12, 2014
Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer refuted Rapoport's report a little bit later, though:
A report on http://t.co/JARDHnxEYD that #browns candidates have been calling rob chudzinski and he's been honest are false per lg source.
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) January 12, 2014
It's tough to say which report is true. On one hand, I think Cabot's report makes sense, because it would seem wise for a Chudzinski, potentially looking for another job, to have his name associated with being a guy who throws his former employers under the bus. On the other hand, this is an exception where Cleveland's front office is being viewed as erratic for ditching Chudzinski after just one season, which makes Rapaport's report seem believable.
Either way, in the whole grand scheme of things, I don't think what Chudzinski says will make a difference. How the Browns handled this situation is evident to everyone around the country, insiders and fans included, so it really comes down to whether the coordinator is willing to take the risk of a short-term job in Cleveland, or if they'd rather wait for a more patient front office in another year.