Team owner Randy Lerner is very interested in Eric Mangini after interviewing with the former Jets coach last week.
However, that has thrown a wrench into possibly hiring Scott Pioli away from New England to be the Browns' new general manager. Pioli and Mangini aren't on the best of teams following Mangini bringing "Spygate" to light last year.
Ravens director of pro personnel George Kokonis will meet with Lerner, but not until after Baltimore's next playoff game on Saturday. Mangini reportedly named Kokonis as someone he'd like to work with. Both worked with the Browns under Bill Belichick in the early 1990s.
Pioli, meanwhile, has gone on to interview with Kansas City, which is also seeking a new general manager.
It's possible Mangini could be hired before a new GM if he's given control over the roster.
Lerner turned to Mangini after Bill Cowher said he wasn't interested in the job.
"He made it very clear from the moment we sat down he doesn't anticipate coaching in 2009," the Browns owner said. "It wasn't a dance. He wasn't coy. He spoke very clearly. He was very well prepared to describe his position. He is very focused on his kids and his life in North Carolina.
"I would like to have had the chance to dig in deeper and see if it was a possibility."
Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels interviewed last Friday. An Ohio native, McDaniels helped transform Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel from an unknown into an emerging star this season.
Pioli, 43, like Savage in 2005, does not have prior experience as a general manager, but Lerner is not concerned.
"I think he's very well trained," Lerner said. "I think he has a very attractive football demeanor. It's the right time of life for him. I think he's a fundamentally good guy."
Lerner said he is not interested in hiring a college coach and said the new coach doesn't necessarily need head-coaching experience in the NFL, although Lerner does appear to be leaning in that direction.
"I'm looking for a head coach who is very, very organized, who has a very clear system and has a very strong and understandable approach to discipline and organizational structure," Lerner said.
