Browns to Reportedly Interview Bills OC Brian Daboll for Head Coaching Gig

Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll coaching in a game vs. the Philadelphia Eagles
Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll coaching in a game vs. the Philadelphia Eagles / Bryan Bennett/Getty Images

"Cleveland, this is for you!" It took just one season (and a few blowups from players directed at him) for the Freddie Kitchens era to be over in Cleveland, and with the majority of their talent still on their roster, the Browns are looking ahead to find the right name for their newly-found coaching vacancy.

One of the names that has immediately surfaced is a former Cleveland staff member and current Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, and Cleveland recently requested permission from Buffalo to interview Daboll for the head coaching job.

Daboll was the offensive coordinator under Eric Mangini for the Browns in 2009 and 2010, and has an impressive resume, including a national championship ring from his time under NIck Saban at Alabama, and a complete hand for his five crowned jewels during his tenure in New England.

He was crucial in the drafting and development of Bills quarterback Josh Allen, and oversaw his leap from year one to two, which currently has the Bills sitting at 10-6, and with a playoff game in early January. Allen doubled his passing touchdown total from 10 to 20, and saw significant improvements in total yards and QBR.

Cleveland has also requested to interview several other offensive coordinators, including the Patriots' Josh McDaniels, Ravens' Greg Roman, and Kevin Stefanski of the Vikings. In addition, they've reached out to 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and will talk to former Packer head coach Mike McCarthy.

The team finished with a 6-10 record, and were near the bottom of the NFL in passing offense and turnovers, with Baker Mayfield's quarterback rating at 31st in the league.