Cleveland Browns

Browns reportedly invite OC DeFilippo, three other assistants to stick around

Published Jan. 11, 2016 5:12 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Cleveland Browns have invited offensive coordinator John DeFilippo and three other assistants to remain with the team, assuming whoever the new head coach is decides to retain them.

Quarterbacks coach Kevin O'Connell, defensive backs coach Jeff Hafley and assistant secondary coach Aaron Glenn have also been asked to stick around until their fate with the new hire is determined, according to Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot.

Jim O'Neil, who presided over the defense the last two seasons under Mike Pettine, was not given that option, along with special teams coach Chris Tabor, who spent the last five seasons in Cleveland. Also not being retained are Wilbert Montgomery (running backs), Joker Phillips (receivers), Frank Edgerly (assistant wide receivers), George DeLeone (offensive line), Brian Angelichio (tight ends), Chuck Driesbach (linebackers), Brian Fleury (outside linebackers), Bobby Babich (assistant secondary), Shawn Mennenga (special teams assistant).

The coaches still must seek permission to speak with other teams as long as they are under contract, according to the report. Furthermore, if they want to look for work at the upcoming Senior Bowl, they'll have to attend on their own dime since the Browns won't foot the bill, according to Peter King of The MMQB.

DeFilippo has already interviewed for the 49ers' head coaching vacancy and has another meeting lined up with the Rams to discuss their offensive coordinator job, according to the report. Any head coach that takes the job in Cleveland is going to want to hire his own staff, so it would be wise for all four assistants asked back to keep their options open.