Mike Pettine's tenure as Browns head coach might be defined by his first big decision. We're confident that he can excel with Cleveland's defensive talent, but his offensive coordinator hire is far trickier.
We haven't heard many names thrown around, and a lot of logical fits already have accepted jobs elsewhere. NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport hears that the Browns are interested in one compelling name: Former Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak.
A source informed of the Browns thinking says there is some level of interest in Kubiak, although it's unclear if Kubiak will interview for the job. The Browns also are interested in Kubiak's former running back Ben Tate as a potential free-agent pickup.
Kubiak's offense was consistent in Houston. His job status could come down to his willingness to take any coordinator job. We haven't heard much from Kubiak since he was fired in Houston, although he did interview for the Detroit Lions' head coaching job. Since Kubiak is still getting paid by the Texans, he essentially would be choosing to work for free if he got back on the sidelines in 2014.
Then again, coaching in the NFL is a way of life. Bill Parcells called it a drug, and Kubiak might not want to go a full year without a fix.
*The latest "Around The League Podcast" looked at weaknesses for the two Super Bowl teams. *
