BALTIMORE (AP) — Browns interim coach Gregg Williams will be the first candidate interviewed for Cleveland’s permanent position.
Williams led Cleveland to a 5-3 record after Hue Jackson was fired on Oct. 29. Browns general manager John Dorsey said Williams, the team’s defensive coordinator for the past two seasons, will have his interview Tuesday.
Dorsey also said offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens will be interviewed. Kitchens has developed a strong rapport with quarterback Baker Mayfield, who went 6-7 as a starter and set the league rookie record with 27 touchdown passes.
Cleveland went 7-8-1 this season after going winless in 2017.
The Baltimore Ravens squeezed past the Browns and into the playoffs on the last Sunday of the NFL regular season, using two rushing touchdowns by rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson and a late defensive stand to beat Cleveland 26-24 and claim the AFC North title.
The rejuvenated Ravens ended a three-year playoff drought with their sixth win in seven games.
Fourth-seeded Baltimore will open the postseason next weekend at home against the Los Angeles Chargers.