O"Brien interviews with Browns, stays at Penn State
Penn State coach Bill O'Brien interviewed this week with the Cleveland Browns, but told PennLive.com on Thursday night that he is not leaving the Nittany Lions program.
"I'm not a one-and-done guy," O'Brien said. "I made a commitment to these players at Penn State and that's what I am going to do. I'm not gonna cut and run after one year, that's for sure."
O'Brien, a former New England Patriots offensive coordinator, was named the Big Ten coach of the year after taking over a Penn State ravaged by unprecedented NCAA sanctions announced after he took the job. He compiled an 8-4 record while dealing with the fallout from the Jerry Sandusky scandal as well the death of his legendary predecessor, Joe Paterno.
Syracuse coach Doug Marrone also reportedly interviewed this week for the Browns' coaching job, according to the Cleveland Plain-Dealer. The Browns will interview Oregon coach Chip Kelly on Friday, the day after his team competed in the Fiesta Bowl.
All interviews were conducted in the Phoenix area, where the Browns also interviewed former Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt on Thursday.
Marrone, who was an offensive coordinator with the New Orleans Saints, led the Orangemen to an 8-5 record this season after winning the Pinstripe Bowl. He is also expected to interview with the Buffalo Bills.
The Bills and Eagles are also scheduled to interview Kelly.
