Browns to interview McDaniel, LaFleur & Bienemy

More and more names continue to be added to the list of interviews for potential head coaching candidates for the Cleveland Browns.

The Cleveland Browns continue to expand their coaching search. First adding two more names to their stop in San Francisco while they interview Robert Saleh. Mike McDaniel and Mike Lafleur.

The other name is Eric Bienemy, Kansas City’s offensive coordinator.

Adding two more interviews in San Francisco is a wise move from Cleveland’s point of view. The Browns are already going to be interviewing Robert Saleh, might as well interview Mike McDaniel and Mike LaFleur. If anything, it is a good use of time even if they are not serious candidates. Finding out something on how the operation works for a successful team is not the worst idea for a team perpetually stuck in neutral. Even if the interviews go well with Saleh, McDaniel or LaFleur, they could be deterred from taking the job. Kyle Shanahan saw first hand how things work in Cleveland and will certainly inform those interviewing for the Browns job of just that.

In regards to Eric Bienemy, he has been successful as the offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs. Bienemy was considered to be a head coaching candidate last season, but remained with the Chiefs. The Kansas City connection could play a role here. John Dorsey was in Kansas City before coming to Cleveland and that familiarity could be another reason why this interview is taking place.

McDaniel, LaFleur and Bienemy may be more exploratory options than serious candidates. The Browns are in a spot where they need someone who can lead a team and will not be over their head with their new duties. Going with someone who has not been there before could find the team in a very familiar spot. A spot which they managed to get out of just a few days ago.