Browns coach linked with Michigan job amid uncertainty

A report from last weekend revealed that Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees interviewed for the Penn State Nittany Lions' vacant head coach opening before Penn State hired Matt Campbell. 

It appears that a different Big Ten university is interested in Rees regarding its vacancy. 

How would Tommy Rees feel about leaving the NFL for college? 

Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported on Thursday night that the University of Michigan "has interest in" Rees regarding its head coach job. Michigan fired Sherrone Moore earlier in the week, and he was later shockingly taken into custody as part of an investigation. 

"Rees would likely take the interview," Cabot added in her piece. 

During his weekly media availability, Rees was asked on Thursday about interviewing for the Penn State job. 

"I’m really focused on trying to play good offensive football, get a young quarterback (rookie Shedeur Sanders) ready to play, support our players," Rees responded, per the Browns' website. "Look, some of those things are flattering, and you listen as a competitor. But for me, my focus is really, how can we go score enough points to win a game? How can we put our young players, put our quarterback, put our offense in the right position to have success? How to lead our staff? Like that’s really where my focus is right now."

How do Browns view Tommy Rees?

According to Cabot, "the Browns think very highly of Rees and will make every effort to keep him" during the upcoming offseason. That's noteworthy, as whispers reemerged this week suggesting that Browns owner Jimmy Haslam could part ways with head coach Kevin Stefanski and/or general manager Andrew Berry in January. 

Under Stefanski and Berry, the Browns will complete a fourth losing season in five years. 3-10 Cleveland next plays at the 9-4 Chicago Bears this coming Sunday. 

Meanwhile, the previously mentioned Sanders is coming off the best performance, to date, of his young career. If Sanders impresses with his play through Week 18, the Browns may want to keep him working with Rees in the event that Stefanski is shown the door.