Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher has emerged as a leading candidate for the Cleveland Browns’ head coaching vacancy.
Sports Illustrated’s James Rapien reported that Pitcher interviewed for the position last week, and the Browns are expected to invite several candidates back for second interviews, including Pitcher.
Former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and current Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz are also slated for second interviews for the job.
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If Cleveland ultimately hires an offensive-minded head coach such as Pitcher or Monken, the team is expected to make an effort to retain Schwartz as defensive coordinator.
The Browns are also reportedly interviewing Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase and Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski.
“I think our responsibility is to search far and wide. There are good coaches out there. You know, we’ve just got to do our homework and find the right fit for us,” Browns general manager Andrew Berry said ahead of the head coaching search. “We’ll have no preconceived notions as we go into the search.”
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Pitcher has been part of the Bengals organization since 2018 and has served as offensive coordinator for the past two seasons. It would not be surprising if Cincinnati were to lose him to a division rival later this month.
To this point in the offseason, Cleveland is the only team known to have interviewed Pitcher.
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