Browns request interview with Colts assistant GM Ed Dodds

The Cleveland Browns have requested permission to interview Indianapolis Colts assistant general manager Ed Dodds for Cleveland’s vacant general manager position.

Dodds has spent the past two seasons with the Colts; prior to that he worked for 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, including a stint as the senior personnel executive responsible for evaluating both college and pro talent.

Prior to last season, Dodds was being targeted as an up-and-coming candidate for a general manager position. Luke Schultheis at Stampede Blue highlighted some of the areas that stand out on Dodds’ résumé:

Dodds has always been highly regarded for his scouting acumen from his days with the Seattle Seahawks, where he previously served as a senior personnel executive. It’s not hard to see Dodds’ thumbprint already on the Colts much-improved roster either, as he played an instrumental role in the franchise signing Pro Bowl alternate Denico Autry last offseason.

Dodds’ influence on the Colts can also be seen in how they’ve placed a heavy influence on athletic traits, namely SPARQ ratings, in their draft selection process. That’s always been something that the Seattle Seahawks have emphasized, and the Colts have now readily followed suit with Dodds’ addition.

Dodds sounds like a legitimate candidate on his own, but there is another connection that could signal why the Browns are interested in him.

His time in Seattle overlapped with current San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who was the defensive quality control coach with the Seahawks from 2011 to 2013. Saleh, coincidentally, interviewed for the head coach position with the Browns on January 4.

Draw your own conclusions on that little nugget, Browns fans.