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The Cleveland Browns will embark on their latest search for a head coach with a new man at the head of the table - chief strategy officer Paul DePodesta
That is according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who believes the search will be “more directed” with DePodesta running the proceedings:
The job title for Paul DePodesta — #Browns chief strategy officer — has not changed, but after a few days of mixed messages to candidates from the organization, DePodesta is now the one running the head coach hiring process for the Haslams, source said. Should be more directed.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 1, 2020
The plan, according to Rapoport, is for the Browns to hire a head coach and a general manager who will actually work in harmony, which just might be crazy enough to work.
DePodesta has been with the Browns since 2016, meaning that this will be the third head coaching search he has had a role in. His analytics team recommended that the Browns hire Sean McDermott in 2017, but co-owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam chose Hue Jackson instead. Last year, the recommendation was to hire Kevin Stefanski, but then-general manager John Dorsey went with Freddie Kitchens.
Given that history, having DePodesta involved sounds like a very good idea. An even better one might be if the Haslams actually listen to him when he makes a recommendation.
As for the head coaching candidates, the Browns are reportedly planning to interview former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy on Thursday and current San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh this weekend in California.