Cleveland Browns

Report: Browns interview Brian Xanders for top personnel spot

Published Jan. 26, 2016 10:03 p.m. ET

foxsports

By Craig Lyndall

The position might not called “general manager,” but the Cleveland Browns are interviewing candidates who have held that position just the same. The Browns have reportedly interviewed Brian Xanders – formerly of the Denver Broncos and currently of the Detroit Lions – to fill their top personnel spot. Mary Kay Cabot had the scoop.

So, who is Brian Xanders? His gig is thought to be up in the air in Detroit amidst big changes there this season.

Despite the fact that the Lions have elected to keep head coach Jim Caldwell, they made big moves in November when they fired both their team president Tom Lewand and general manager Martin Mayhew. Creating that kind of vacuum could presumably see Brian Xanders exiting as well. And assuming the reports are true, maybe he’ll be exiting to Cleveland to work for Sashi Brown and company.

So who is Brian Xanders?

He’s been in the NFL for more than 20 years. I wouldn’t normally quote Wikipedia, but this paragraph detailing some of his contributions to the Denver Broncos is especially interesting considering they will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.

The Broncos executed high-producing NFL Draft classes from 2010–12, which finished first in the NFL in playtime and second in games started during the three year period. There are fourteen primary NFL starters from those draft classes, including five Pro Bowl players: LB Von Miller, WR Demaryius Thomas, TE Julius Thomas, CB Chris Harris and OG Zane Beadles. There were also eight other Pro Bowl players who were acquired, signed or extended during his tenure: QB Peyton Manning (FA, 2012), SS Brian Dawkins (UFA, 2009–11), WR Brandon Lloyd (FA, 2009–11), RB Willis McGahee (FA, 2011), CB Champ Bailey (re-signed, 2011), DE Elvis Dumervil (re-signed, 2010), WR Brandon Marshall (re-signed, 2010), and OT Ryan Clady (1st round, 2008).

The 44-year-old is a former linebacker from Florida State and played for Bobby Bowden. He’s certainly got an intriguing resume and seems to be qualified for the Browns’ open personnel position. Whether or not he can work with the team that the Browns have assembled, including Sashi Brown, Paul DePodesta and head coach Hue Jackson, will presumably be the main factor in the hiring decision. The Browns have continually stressed that they will look for people that can work together toward a common goal rather than simply a flashy work history.

Still, tell me you aren’t drooling over names like Von Miller, Julius Thomas and others listed.

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