Nick Saban, Mike Lombardi rumors connected to Browns continue

Pat Shurmur continued to make his case for staying with the Cleveland Browns next season with a 30-7 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, but rumors continue to persist that connect the Browns to other coaches and front office personnel. That includes Alabama head coach Nick Saban and NFL.com's Michael Lombardi.

"According to the NFL sources," writes Bedard, "Saban has let it be known that if he returns to the NFL -- where he flopped, going 15-17 with the Dolphins from 2005-06 -- it would likely be with Lombardi playing Pioli to his Belichick."

(via Waiting for Next Year)

Of course, it's a longshot that the Browns could land either Saban or Lombardi, but new Cleveland CEO Joe Banner does have experience with Lombardi, as both briefly worked in the Philadelphia Eagles front office in the late-1990s. Saban was also the defensive coordinator in Cleveland for three seasons under Bill Belichick.

Cleveland's new ownership, though, will have a tough choice to make if the team continues to win. With its victory on Sunday, the Browns moved to 5-8 and are riding a three-game winning streak. They'll host the Washington Redskins next week, who could be without star quarterback Robert Griffin III.