The Cleveland Browns may have hired Kevin Stefanski over Robert Saleh, but that doesn't mean the team isn't still interested in San Francisco 49ers assistants. Remember those reports of Cleveland also being interested in 49ers passing game coordinator Mike LaFleur and run game coordinator Mike McDaniel? That hasn't changed, apparently.
The Browns never officially put in a request to speak with either assistant, even as they traveled to the Bay Area to interview Saleh, and 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan stated this week that no teams have put in a request to speak to any other assistants.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that the Browns remain interested in LaFleur and McDaniel, writing the following for NFL.com:
"The Browns have interest in either 49ers passing game coordinator Mike LaFleur or run game coordinator Mike McDaniel to come in as offensive coordinator. However, official requests may not go in because both are under contract and unlikely to be allowed out to go to Cleveland. The Browns are casting a wide net with no time constraints to hire. Cleveland also considered both coaches as possible head coach candidates but never requested them and only interviewed defensive coordinator and finalist Robert Saleh before hiring Kevin Stefanski."
Former 49ers quarterbacks coach Rich Scangarello, who served as the Denver Broncos' offensive coordinator this past season, is also possibly being considered for Cleveland's offensive coordinator job or another position on Stefanski's staff, like quarterback coach.
The Browns remain interested in 49ers passing-game coordinator and defensive backs coach Joe Woods for their defensive coordinator job. Rapoport reports that Cleveland is also considering Steve Wilks, who served as its defensive coordinator this past season, and Wade Phillips, who most recently served as defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.
The 49ers are preparing to play in the NFC Championship later today against the Green Bay Packers.
