National Football League

Pettine, Browns deny reports Shanahan clashed with team during hiring process

Published Feb. 6, 2014 12:41 p.m. ET

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BEREA, Ohio -- The Browns have their new offensive coordinator in Kyle Shanahan, and head coach Mike Pettine on Thursday denied reports that Shanahan's initial interview with the team didn't go well.

NFL Network reported that Shanahan was a "longshot for the job" after his interview "didn't go as planned." On Thursday, Pettine was asked specifically if Shanahan had clashed with Browns CEO Joe Banner during the interview over the team's firing of ex-coach Rob Chudzinski after just one season.

Pettine said he was in on Shanahan's interview, remembered nothing contentious and said Shanahan was surprised about the reports when he heard them via text message from his wife.

Pettine said multiple things during the process were "prematurely reported or reported wrong."

The Browns formally introduced Shanahan and new defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil on Thursday and announced the hiring of 11 assistant coaches.

Pettine said the team had a very good interview with Raiders quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo but in the end, Shanahan's experience won out. Though he's just 34, Shanahan has six years offensive coordinator experience with the Texans and Redskins.

"Kyle has proven he can have one of the league's leading rushing attacks and one of the leading pass attacks," Pettine said. "He can have a veteran quarterback or a rookie and still succeed. He's had big seasons from receivers and big seasons from running backs.

"It was impressive to me that his system can adapt and still have levels of success."

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