The end of the San Francisco 49ers 2013 season means Jim Harbaugh's assistant coaches are free and clear to interview for the one head coaching position still on the market. Assistants under contract can be denied the opportunity to interview for coordinator jobs, or other position coach jobs, but they can interview for head coach positions.
The Cleveland Browns are the only team without a head coach. They interviewed Bills defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, as well as Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn during the Seahawks bye. They have also expressed interest in interview Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase. ESPN's Bill Williamson is now reporting the team might have interest in Jim Tomsula. According to Williamson, the Browns did background work on Tomsula last week.
The Browns cannot interview Adam Gase until after the Super Bowl, because they have not yet given him a first interview. On the other hand, because Quinn interviewed once, the Browns have a window this week to conduct a second interview. There are also reports the team might conduct a second interview with Pettine.
Background info obviously doesn't mean Tomsula will be hired, or even necessarily get an interview. But it's something to keep on our radar, particularly over the next week. I have to think the Browns would like a decision made before the Super Bowl, if not sooner.
It is worth noting there is no mention yet of Greg Roman on the Browns' radar. That will disappoint some, and excite others. It will be a never-ending conversation as long as he is the 49ers OC.