Fooch's update: Ian Rapoport tweeted this might be more of an informational interview. Clearly to learn about Johnny Manziel, right?
The #49ers met with Chip Kelly yesterday, as @MaioccoCSN said. Today it's #Browns OC John DeFilippo -- more of an informational meeting.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 8, 2016
The San Francisco 49ers coach search dance card is quickly filling up. The 49ers are scheduled to interview Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator John DeFilippo on Friday, according to Adam Schefter. This comes a day after the 49ers reportedly interviewed Buffalo Bills assistant coach Anthony Lynn, and former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly.
This is an interesting interview because DeFilippo is relatively inexperienced. He was the Cleveland Browns OC in 2015, but prior to that he had never been more than a position coach. Here is a rundown of his experience prior to his work in Cleveland:
2012-2014: Oakland Raiders QB coach
2010-2011: San Jose State QB coach
2009: New York Jets QB coach
2007-2008: Oakland Raiders QB coach
2005-2006: New York Giants offensive quality control coach
2003-2004: Columbia University QB coach
2001-2002: Notre Dame grad assistant
2000: Fordham QB coach
The Cleveland Browns fired head coach Mike Pettine after the close of their season, but like the 49ers, did not immediately let their coaches out of their contracts. However, it appears DeFilippo is being allowed to look around for a new option. The St. Louis Rams are set to interview him on Monday, January 11, but it is for their offensive coordinator job.
The 49ers could be genuinely curious about DeFilippo as a head coach candidate, and they figure why not take some time to talk with him. If they happen to be further along with any of their current candidates, they could be getting a jump on a potential OC interview as well. If it is purely a head coach interview, DeFilippo does follow the pattern the 49ers have established of focusing on offensive-minded head coaches. Given his proximity to them in Oakland and San Jose, I suppose the interview is not entirely shocking.