NFL Rumors: Could Josh McDaniels Put This Patriots Staffer in Browns' Front Office?

A Patriots staffer not named Nick Caserio could follow Josh McDaniels to Cleveland and become a part of the Browns' front office.

Friday is the day that New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will conduct his head-coaching interview with the Cleveland Browns. 

While we await the decision for both parties, one key piece of their conversation will likely be personnel, specifically who will be a part of the front-office if McDaniels becomes the head coach. It was originally thought that Patriots Director of Player Personnel Nick Caserio might join McDaniels if he pursues a head-coaching job in the NFL, since Caserio's contract with New England expires this offseason. However, a recent report shuts down that idea. Instead, another Patriots staffer could be headed to Cleveland if McDaniels is offered and accepts Cleveland's head-coaching job. 

According to Keith Britton of 92.3 The Fan, Caserio would not be a part of the Browns' front office if McDaniels was offered and accepts the Browns' head-coaching job. Instead, New England's Director of Pro Scouting, Dave Ziegler, is "expected to be a part of that group, if it happens."

I’ve been told Nick Caserio would not be part of the front office coming to Cleveland with Josh McDaniels if he is offered, takes job. Expect Dave Ziegler to be part of that group, if it happens. #Browns

— Keith Britton (@KeithBritton86) January 10, 2020

This makes plenty of sense. McDaniels would likely want a front-office executive that could play a part in drafting players during the 2020 draft. But because Caserio's contract does not expire until after the draft, he would not be able to play a role in the drafting process for Cleveland. Ziegler has been considered a potential replacement in New England for Caserio in the event that Caserio pursues other opportunities around the league, so it makes sense that Ziegler would be a potential front-office candidate in a McDaniels regime with the Browns.