It was reported by Ben Volin of the Boston Globe on Friday that the Cleveland Browns had narrowed their list of coaching candidates to three — Josh McDaniels, Kevin Stefanski, and Brian Daboll. Noticeably absent from that list is Robert Saleh, so it was assumed the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator was off the Browns' radar.
The report and assumption may have been premature. The Browns requested permission to interview Indianapolis Colts assistant general manager Ed Dodds, who has ties to Saleh.
So, are the Browns still interested in Saleh? It sure sounds like the 49ers defensive coordinator is still in the mix for the job.
Confirming @DustinFox37 report that the Browns have requested permission to interview #Colts Asst GM Ed Dodds. He worked with #Browns candidate and #49ers DC Robert Saleh with #Seahawks
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) January 11, 2020
Dodds is reportedly one of the executives that Saleh would be interested in pairing with, should he land the job in Cleveland. Other potential candidates are 49ers VP of player personnel Adam Peters and Seattle Seahawks executives Trent Kirchner and Scott Fitterer.
The #Browns are still culling GM requests, but among the names associated with #49ers DC Robert Saleh who could draw interest: Trent Kirchner and Scott Fitterer with the #Seahawks and Adam Peters with the #49ers.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 11, 2020
It was reported that the Browns would like to decide on their next head coach by this weekend. So it shouldn't be long before we know how this all plays out.
Meanwhile, Saleh and his 49ers are preparing for the Minnesota Vikings, whom the team hosts at Levi's Stadium today. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. PT.