The Cleveland Browns haven't finished mining offensive guru types for their open head-coaching position.
Citing a source, Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer reported that Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski was in Berea, Ohio, on Wednesday to meet with Browns brass.
Chudzinski fits the description of what the Browns seem to be looking for: An innovator with a track record of working with young quarterbacks. Chudzinski performed magic with Cam Newton during Ace Boogie's outrageous rookie campaign in 2011. The results were mixed in 2012, with the Panthers stumbling in a scheme that attempted to direct the ground game through Newton -- something that rarely works in the NFL.
Browns fans also recall Chudzinski's recent stint as offensive coordinator in Cleveland, an equally schizophrenic affair.
Chudzinski made a phenom out of Derek Anderson in 2007, guiding the unknown signal-caller to 3,787 passing yards and 29 touchdowns during Cleveland's only double-digit-win season since returning to the NFL in 1999. But Chudzinski also presided over an attack that sputtered to a halt in 2008, closing the season going six straight games without an offensive touchdown. Good memories mixed will visions of horror.
Chudzinski has grown since then and gained interest around the league. There's no Cam Newton in Cleveland, but the Browns house the NFL's youngest roster and a prairie of salary-cap space. Chip Kelly wasn't into it, but someone -- somewhere -- will be.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
