REPORT: PIOLI “VERY INTERESTED” IN BROWNS G.M. GIG

Citing multiple unnamed league sources (who does she think she works for, PFT?), Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that Patriots V.P. of player personnel Scott Pioli is “very interested” in the Browns’ vacant G.M. position. Per Cabot, Pioli could be interviewed as soon as Tuesday. It will be his first interview for another position since joining the Patriots in 2000. Cabot also reports that Pioli has been contacted by the Chiefs or the Lions as well. (In our view, it’s highly unlikely that it’s the Lions, given Monday’s promotions of G.M. Martin Mayhew and president Tom Lewand.) If Pioli gets the job, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could be at the top of the list for head-coaching candidates. Another potential candidate who has long been linked to Pioli is Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz.