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Dec 8, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; A Cleveland Browns helmet sits on the sidelines during the fourth quarter of New England's 27-26 win at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
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Browns search widens, continues without head coach

Matt Verderame NFL

The Cleveland Browns are the only team in football without a head coach. That may not change before the weekend is out.

Despite already interviewing numerous candidates and flying New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to the complex for a lengthy visit, the Browns have not made up their minds on the search. Owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam are now also starting the search for a general manager, with Indianapolis Colts assistant general manager Ed Dodds being the first name to surface.

All of this begs the question: what is the plan for the Browns?

Cleveland spent the summer getting national attention from almost every website and publication as a trendy pick to go to the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Instead the team was a complete flop under first-time head coach Freddie Kitchens, going 6-10. Quarterback Baker Mayfield regressed significantly in his second year as well, throwing for 22 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.

The end result was Kitchens lasting one whole year as the Browns coach, while general manager John Dorsey was fired after two full seasons with the club.

As for Kitchens’ replacement, it seems to be anybody’s guess. McDaniels has long been a real part of the conversation, but he still hasn’t put pen to paper. After famously snubbing the Colts following a verbal agreement — and scheduled press conference — McDaniels has remained a hot name within the industry for his work alongside Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. Still, one must wonder, with Belichick as the league’s oldest coach at 68 years old, is McDaniels better off to wait him out and eventually replace him in Foxborough?

If McDaniels doesn’t end being offered or taking the job in Cleveland, there are still ample qualified candidates. In fact, two of them are going against each other on Saturday afternoon in the NFC Divisional game between the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers. Minnesota offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski remains in the mix, as does 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. Both have enjoyed great years in their respective spots and have generated buzz in multiple job pools this offseason.

For now, we wait for the word from the Haslam’s, who continue to go through their choices without making one yet. If it’s McDaniels, he gets a second chance after flaming out a decade ago with the Denver Broncos. If it’s Stefanski or Saleh, the Browns are turning their franchise over to a first-time head coach once more, hoping they finally get it right.

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