Browns Reportedly Have 'Strong Interest' in Hiring Former Ohio State Head Coach Urban Meyer

As Cleveland's latest coaching search comes into focus, we're pleased to report that the loudest possible stunt candidate has finally emerged.

After leaking names like Mike McCarthy, Robert Saleh, and Josh McDaniels in connection with their head coach opening (and the GM slot's open now, too!), reports emerged on Thursday morning that the Browns are strongly interested in ex-Ohio State head man Urban Meyer, a year after he handed the Buckeye reins over to Ryan Day.

Yeah, that feels about right.

Oklahoma head man (and former Baker Mayfield whisperer) Lincoln Riley has been the college name that's most heavily dominated NFL coaching discourse so far this offseason, but the second Meyer stepped away from Ohio State, this became a natural pairing for the rumor mill.

With a need for stability and experience after a gamble on offensive guru Freddie Kitchens failed spectacularly, we'd be surprised if the team opted for Meyer, who's never been a head coach at the professional level, over McCarthy, who's interviewing on Monday.

Meyer has done plenty at the level below, however, leading successful charges at Utah, Florida, and Ohio State, though he's often left dysfunction and controversy in his wake. For a team like Cleveland that needs discipline and a character infusion more than ever, Meyer will need to be more attentive to the qualities of the men who make up his roster, if handed this golden opportunity later in life.