Chris Mortensen Identifies Brian Daboll as Top Sleeper Candidate for Browns Head Coaching Job

The Browns are in the midst of their search for their next head coach following Freddie Kitchens' firing, and they've interviewed a handful of impressive candidates already. Josh McDaniels stands out from a group that includes three other offensive coordinators who are currently in the playoffs.

But there also seems to be a sleeper in the mix. According to Chris Mortensen, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll had an impressive interview and could emerge from the pack.

The @Browns interviewed eight candidates, including McDaniels and three current playoff coordinators (Bienemy, Saleh, Stefanski). If there's a "sleeper" it is Bills OC Brian Daboll, who had a strong interview, via sources.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) January 11, 2020

Daboll, who was actually Cleveland's offensive coordinator in 2009 and 2010, has done a good job of squeezing the most out the Bills' rushing offense this year. They ranked eighth in rushing yards this year, led by the tandem of rookie Devin Singletary and veteran Frank Gore, as well as mobile QB Josh Allen.

Passing, however, has been a problem for most of his coaching career. He has never coached a team that ranked higher than 23rd in the NFL in passing yards. In fact, he has finished in the bottom-two in passing three times in six seasons as an NFL offensive coordinator.

Two sources say the Browns plan to wrap up their process today and hope to have a hire by tonight or tomorrow. It appears to be down to McDaniels, Kevin Stefanski and Brian Daboll, three great offensive coordinators
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) January 10, 2020

He hasn't exactly had fantastic quarterback talents to work with, though. Perhaps the Browns think he could be the one to steer young star Baker Mayfield back in the right direction.