Cleveland Browns Interested In Chuck Pagano: Report

CLEVELAND — With Freddie Kitchens in-place as the Cleveland Browns' next head coach, the team seems to be turning to fill assistant coach positions. The franchise apparently now has its eyes on Chuck Pagano.

The rumor mill suggests Pagano is being targeted for defensive coordinator, a particularly important position since Gregg Williams has left the team. However, there could be stiff competition for Pagano's services.

Both the Arizona Cardinals and the Cleveland Browns are bidding for Pagano, according to Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic.

Most fans will know Pagano as the former head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, where he led the team from 2012 through 2017. He compiled a 53-43 record during his tenure and a 3-3 playoff record.

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Pagano was fired by the Colts after his team stagnated for two years, going 8-8 in consecutive seasons, before cratering in 2017 and going 4-12. The Colts are now back in the playoffs as a Wild Card.

Before becoming the head coach of the Colts, Pagano was the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. His first NFL coaching gig was actually with the Cleveland Browns, where he served as secondary coach from 2001-2003, according to Pro Football-Reference.com.

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