Shurmur Interview in Cleveland Today

Former Ram defensive coordinator Fritz Shurmur is in Cleveland and is scheduled to be interviewed today by Browns owner Art Modell for the vacant head coaching job, sources with the Rams and Browns said Monday.

Shurmur, who was fired by the Rams earlier this month and replaced by Jeff Fisher, was a finalist for the Browns’ top job two years ago when it went to Bud Carson, who was fired in the middle of last season.

Previously, the Browns have shown strong interest in Raiders’ quarterback coach Mike White and Giants defensive coordinator Bill Belichik.

Shurmur was a finalist for the head coaching job with the Phoenix Cardinals last year, but lost out to Joe Bugel. A source close to the Browns said Modell was impressed with Shurmur two years ago and hasn’t ruled him out of the running despite the Rams’ poor defensive showing last season.

There was speculation recently that Shurmur could return to the Rams as linebacker coach if nothing else developed--he remains a candidate for the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coordinator position--but Fisher is believed to have ruled out that possibility.

Ram Notes

Though nothing has been etched in stone, Ram Coach John Robinson said Monday talks are progressing smoothly with team management to get him signed to a contract extension. “It’s moving in that direction,” Robinson said. “We’re working toward that. When it’s done, we’ll definitely tell you.” Robinson, who has one year left on his old contract, is believed to be close to signing a three-year deal.

The Rams still have two openings on their coaching staff, and Robinson said he should have both filled before the end of next week. Former Charger defensive line coach Gunther Cunningham is all but set to perform the same duties for the Rams, and Robinson said Monday he would probably name an offensive coach to replace quarterback coach Dick Coury sometime next week. Coury left to take the offensive coordinator’s job for New England.