Who's Next?

That is the question for Cleveland Browns fans as the Browns begin yet another hunt for the savior to rid the football world of Dr.Eric Foreman and the Pittsburgh Steelers along with Murderin' Ray Lewis and the Baltimore Ravens.

The same few names keep popping up,so here is a quick look at the most likely candidates in order of first to worst.

1) Jon Gruden-ESPN Analyst.
Gruden would be a first in Cleveland history as he brings a Super Bowl ring to Cleveland and a proven track record as a winner.
Gruden has worked under Mike Holmgren before and they share the same offensive philosophy.
Add in Gruden's fondness for Colt McCoy (watch last years draft for more on this) along with Gruden growing up a Browns fan from nearby Sandusky and he seems like the perfect candidate.
The questions are these-Is Gruden ready to return to football,is Cleveland a job to entice him to return earlier than he expects and can he and Holmgren co-exist with both coaches having their own success since the last time they worked together?

2) John Fox-Former Carolina Head Coach
John Fox brings credibilty despite Carolina being the worst team in the league last season.Fox hasn't won a Super Bowl,but he did take Carolina to one and few blame Fox for the poor season for the Panthers.
Fox has been known to be popular with his players and as a defensive coach,is more likely to allow a West Coast guru to run the offense.

3) Mike Holmgren-Browns President
Holmgren brings all the credentials as a coach to the table,but no one has ever successfully coached and did all the duties that Holmgren currently has on his plate.
If someone else did more front office work,I would be fine with a Holmgren return,but I don't see him giving that power up and if he cannot,then something has to suffer...

4) Marty Morninweg-Philadelphia offensive coordinator.
One word-Blech!
5-29 in two seasons in Detroit,where along with Matt Millen,Morninweg dug the huge hole that the Lions are only just now seeing the slimmest on light.
Morninweg reminds me of Romeo Crennel as a guy that just isn't a head coach,but would be a good coordinator.
Just because he is pals with Holmgren doesnt mean he deserves the job and Holmgren will be creating a huge public relations firestorm with this possible hire.
In many ways,a Morningweg hire would be Holmgren's version of Eric Mangini staking his job on Brian Daboll and you see how well that worked out!

The long shots

Perry Fewell-Giants defensive coordinator-Fewell has a real shot at the Carolina job and likely isn't a top candidate for the Browns.

Karl Dorrell-Miami recievers coach-Dorrell was a failure at UCLA as their head man and likely would be just a Rooney Rule candidate.

Brad Childress-Former Minnesota head coach-Childress is a prickly personality,but is a West Coast guy having ties with Andy Reid.
I see Childress more likely as a Eagle target for their staff....

Bill Cowher-Former Pittsburgh head coach- Cowher was linked to three teams that he "wanted" to coach next season and all three (Giants,Dallas and Houston) kept their current coaches.
If Cowher wants to coach,I think Carolina and maybe Miami would be preferred to Cleveland,where he would never have the power that he would like with Mike Holmgren around.

Jim Harbaugh-Stanford head coach-Harbaugh is the hot college name right now with his development of Andrew Luck and his success at a usually weak school.
Harbaugh makes sense,but I would think staying at Stanford,staying in the area with the Forty Niners or taking over at his alma mater at michigan would be preferable to the Browns for Harbaugh.

Rob Ryan-Cleveland defensive coordinator-Ryan will be interviewing with the Panthers,but I don't think he is a serious candidate in Cleveland.
I do have my fingers crossed for a possible retention for the defensive coordinator spot for Ryan...

My choices in order of preference-Gruden,Holmgren (if he lessens his front office duties),Fox.