The Cleveland Browns met with Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine on Tuesday night in Mobile, Ala., for a second interview as the franchise continues its monthlong search for a head coach, according to reports.
The meeting included Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, CEO Joe Banner and front-office personnel who are in Alabama for the Senior Bowl this week.
Pettine is the first known candidate to have a second interview with the Browns, who fired Rob Chudzinski after one season as coach.
Pettine expects to learn more about his status by Wednesday night.
“I should have some feedback on my interview by the end of the day,” he told the Cleveland Plain-Dealer.
Among the other candidates still under consideration are Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, ESPN reported. Koetter told NFL.com that he spoke informally with the Browns on Wednesday.
Eight known candidates have interviewed for the job so far. If Quinn interviews, it would likely take place after the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase withdrew from consideration on Tuesday.
The 47-year-old Pettine joined the Bills’ staff this past season after working under coach Rex Ryan with the New York Jets as defensive coordinator the previous four years. Before that, Pettine served on the Baltimore Ravens’ staff.
The Buffalo defense improved statistically under Pettine during the 2013 season and logged a team-record 57 sacks.
The Browns are the last remaining team that has not hired a replacement after firing a coach following the season. Haslam has said the team will not rush a decision.
Gase called the Browns on Tuesday, informing them he would not interview. He wants to focus solely on the Super Bowl. Denver will meet the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII on Feb. 2 in East Rutherford, N.J.
Gase did not meet with the Browns. He informed the franchise that he wouldn’t interview during the allowed window the first week of January — during a bye week for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. At the time, he told the Browns he was putting off all interviews until the Broncos are eliminated from the playoffs.
Gase is the third coach to withdraw from consideration for the job, joining Josh McDaniels, offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots, and Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles.