POTENTIAL CANDIDATES
COACHES
Chip Kelly, University of Oregon
• Comment: The Browns and Eagles are reportedly interested, and Kelly is ready to make the jump to the NFL. Sirius/XM Radio’s Adam Caplan reported Kelly is the Browns’ clear first choice.
Nick Saban, University of Alabama
• Comment: Browns owner Jimmy Haslam is intrigued by the three-time national champion, but Saban might stay put in Tuscaloosa.
Dirk Koetter, Atlanta Falcons
• Comment: The offensive coordinator will reportedly interview with the Browns this weekend. Quarterback Matt Ryan is having a career year in Koetter’s first season in Atlanta after five as Jaguars coordinator.
Bill O’Brien, Penn State University
• Comment: The former Bill Belichick assistant resurrected the Penn State program in his first year. If he leaves Happy Valley, he’ll be a hot commodity.
Ray Horton, Arizona Cardinals
• Comment: The defensive coordinator is expected to interview for the Cardinals’ head job that came open Monday. Horton is a former Steelers assistant who’s well thought of in the league.
• Other possibilities: 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman, Indianapolis offensive coordinator/interim head coach Bruce Arians, Denver offensive coordinator Mike McCoy
GM/PLAYER PERSONNEL DIRECTORS
Mike Lombardi, NFL Network
• Comment: He worked for the Browns under Bill Belichick in the 1990s but hasn’t been in an NFL front office since 2007. Lombardi wouldn’t be a popular hire with the fans.
Jim Popp, Montreal Alouettes
• Comment: CBS’ Jason La Canfora reported he will be considered for NFL jobs. He’s the kind of under-the-radar candidate that could get CEO Joe Banner’s attention.
David Caldwell, Atlanta Falcons
• Comment: Many league insiders think the director of player personnel is ready to assume a GM job. Banner said the coach will have more power in the Browns’ organizational structure, which could eliminate Caldwell and other qualified candidates.
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