According to league sources, McDaniels met yesterday with Cleveland owner Randy Lerner in the New York area to talk about the Browns vacant head coaching position. McDaniels, who has been with the Pats for the past eight seasons, emerged as an attractive candidate given the work he's done the past three years as the club's offensive coordinator.

Specifically, McDaniels' efforts with a record-setting offense in 2007, as well as his handling of quarterback Matt Cassel this season, have won him many admirers across the league.

McDaniels is also expected to interview with Denver this weekend. The Broncos also have New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo on their radar. The Broncos are expected to meet with Spagnuolo tonight before sitting down with McDaniels tomorrow.

It doesn't appear, however, that McDaniels is the leading candidate at any of these stops.

In the case of the Browns, they may be doing due diligence, interviewing a slew of head coaching candidates, should the general manager's job with Pioli, who still has an interview with Kansas City on tap, fall through. If Pioli does take over the Browns, it's more likely he would select a coach.

According to a report in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Pioli's interview with the Chiefs is scheduled for Monday, but may be moved up to today per his request.

Pats notes

Should the Pats opt to put the franchise tag on Cassel, it will reportedly cost them $14.8 million for the one-year tender.

That's the average of the five highest-paid quarterbacks: Peyton Manning ($18.8 million), Tom Brady ($14.6), Carson Palmer ($13.98), Aaron Rodgers ($13.9) and Eli Manning ($12.9).

- kguregian@bostonherald.com