A slow-moving coaching search by the Cleveland Browns is unlikely to shift gears until the front office sits down to interview Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase.
Gase is expected to interview with the Browns only after the Broncos are eliminated from the postseason.
Gase, 35, made the decision not to interview during the playoffs upon learning the Browns and Minnesota Vikings were interested in conducting interviews with him during Denver’s bye week in the first round of the 2013 playoffs.
The appeal, of course, is that Gase — in concert with quarterback Peyton Manning — helped the Broncos finish the season with a league-record 606 points and a passing offense that was statistically the most productive in NFL history.
“I’m appreciative of the interest I’ve received, but I’ve decided to postpone any potential opportunities until after our season concludes,” Gase said at the end of the regular season.
He told the Denver Post that his decision came after a discussion with head coach John Fox.
“My complete focus is helping our team prepare for our divisional playoff game,” Gase said.
It is not known if Gase will also interview with the Vikings, whose vacancy remains but reports indicate the team has three finalists — including one “mystery” candidate. That third party could be Gase. Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and Arizona Cardinals defensive coordiantor Todd Bowles are reportedly coming back for second interviews.