Browns hire Chudzinski as head coach

The Cleveland Browns hired Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski to be the 14th head coach in franchise history.

The team made the announcement in a press release issued Thursday night, ending a search that included Oregon coach Chip Kelly and former Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt, among others.

Chudzinski, a Toledo, Ohio, native, spent the past two seasons as offensive coordinator of the Panthers. He served as offensive coordinator of the Browns in 2007-08 and had a previous stint with Cleveland in 2004 as tight ends coach. Chudzinski also was an assistant with the San Diego Chargers in 2005-06 and 2009-10.

A report early Thursday indicated Whisenhunt had emerged as a top candidate. Whisenhunt had a second interview with the Browns.

The Browns also interviewed Mike Zimmer, Bengals defensive coordinator, this week.

Chudzinski is credited with helping convert Cam Newton from a spread offense quarterback at Auburn to a successful NFL quarterback.