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The NFL's Cleveland Browns wants to interview former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice for their vacant head coaching position, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter, though the Browns later denied the report.
Why it matters: Rice, a lifelong Browns fan and current Stanford faculty member, would become the first woman ever interviewed for a head coaching job in the NFL. She previously served a three-year term on the College Football Playoff Selection Committee, telling Sports Illustrated of her selection, "You also want people with a diversity of experiences, people that have had to make decisions and assess information from a wide variety of perspectives. That's why the different experiences and backgrounds people will bring on this committee are also important."
Browns GM John Dorsey issued a statement denying the report:
"Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is a great leader, possesses the highest possible character and also happens to be a Browns fan. I have the utmost respect and admiration for all she's accomplished and was honored to meet her for the first time earlier this season. Our coaching search will be thorough and deliberate, but we are still in the process of composing the list of candidates and Secretary Rice has not been discussed."
Rice herself addressed the report in a Facebook post:
"I love my Browns — and I know they will hire an experienced coach to take us to the next level.
On a more serious note, I do hope that the NFL will start to bring women into the coaching profession as position coaches and eventually coordinators and head coaches. One doesn't have to play the game to understand it and motivate players. But experience counts — and it is time to develop a pool of experienced women coaches.
BTW — I'm not ready to coach but I would like to call a play or two next season if the Browns need ideas! And at no time will I call for a 'prevent defense.'"