Report: If Browns call, Bruce Arians would listen

The Cleveland Browns will continue to be linked to several names as the team undergoes its latest head coaching search.

But there is one person who continues to link himself to the job.

Bruce Arians, who retired last season after five years as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and is currently a broadcaster with CBS Sports, would consider returning to the NFL - but only with the Browns.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, if general manager John Dorsey makes the call, Arians will listen:

“I would listen to the Browns. And only them. I’ve always loved Cleveland. The fans, shoot, one of the best groups in the league and when I called their game this past year, I got that feeling about them.”

Arians went on to say that, if hired, he would keep Freddie Kitchens as offensive coordinator and talk with Gregg Williams about staying on as defensive coordinator. That scenario would give the Browns a level of continuity they have never seen during previous coaching hires.

With the Cardinals, Arians posted a record of 49-30-1 from 2013 through 2017. Prior to that he spent five seasons (2007 to 2011) as offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers and three seasons (2001 to 2003) in the same role with the Browns.

Dorsey needs to find out if Arians is serious about a return and gauge how long the 66-year-old is willing to commit to the job. If it checks out, Arians would become a front runner for the job, which despite the involvement of owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, should be one of the most attractive positions in the offseason.