January 2, 2009 Browns interview Patriots' McDaniels

CLEVELAND (AP) - New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has interviewed with Browns owner Randy Lerner about Cleveland's coaching vacancy on Friday.

The Ohio born and bred McDaniels just completed his third season overseeing the Patriots' offense and coaching quarterbacks. The 32-year-old former college quarterback was credited with transforming backup Matt Cassel into an effective starter after Tom Brady was lost for the season after injuring his knee in the opener.

McDaniels is the third candidate to meet with Lerner, who spoke with fired Jets coach Eric Mangini on Tuesday and Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo on Thursday.

Lerner is also scheduled to meet on Friday with Browns defensive coordinator Mel Tucker.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)