Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine is expected to meet the Cleveland Browns for a third interview on Thursday, but New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could also be back in the mix.
Tony Grossi of ESPN Cleveland reported McDaniels and the Browns had conversations this week, after McDaniels publicly acknowledged withdrawing from consideration 10 days earlier.
Pettine remains the favorite for the job.
The Browns were reportedly closing in on Pettine, who was in his first season as Bills defensive coordinator after coaching on Rex Ryan’s defensive staff with the New York Jets.
McDaniels was circled as a favorite to replace Rob Chudzinksi, who was fired on the final day of the regular season after posting a 4-12 record in his only season as head coach.
McDaniels, 36, interviewed with the Browns during the Patriots’ bye week. One week later, he said he was staying put with the Patriots.
Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase and Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles also took their names out of the candidate pool.