Browns contacted Wisconsin's Andersen about head coaching vacancy
CLEVELAND - Add another name to the list of college and pro coordinators or coaches who were part of the Cleveland Browns' coaching search.
Wisconsin head coach Gary Andersen was contacted by the Browns about their open head coach position, according to a statement released Tuesday morning.
"After our initial conversation, I decided not to pursue the position. I am committed to the University of Wisconsin and the student-athletes in our program," Andersen said.
Wisconsin athletic director, and former head coach, Barry Alvarez added, "I'm appreciative that Gary handled all of this the right way. He alerted me immediately that he had been contacted by the Browns and affirmed his commitment to the University of Wisconsin."
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport initially reported a connection between Andersen and the Browns' coaching search.
The Browns hired Bills' defensive coordinator Mike Pettine as head coach on Jan. 23.
#Browns tried it all during coaching search. Source says they secretly interviewed #Wisconsin coach Gary Andersen, who got a raise on 1/25
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 11, 2014
Last season was Andersen's first as Wisconsin's head coach. He previously led Utah State.
