NFL Team Mulls Condi Rice for Head Coach: Report

The Cleveland Browns next head coach could be ... Condoleezza Rice? So says ESPN in a somewhat vague report about the Browns wanting to interview her for the position. Browns GM John Dorsey said last week he might hire a woman for the job, and spoke well of the former secretary of state on Sunday: She "is a great leader, possesses the highest possible character and also happens to be a Browns fan," he tells USA Today. "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." He says the team's "coaching search will be thorough and deliberate" and Rice "has not been discussed."

Rice, who attends some Browns games and was recently seen on the field with owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, issued her own response: "I love my Browns—and I know they will hire an experienced coach to take us to the next level," she says. "...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 call for a 'prevent defense.'" Who leaked this story is unknown, but it's not totally crazy—Rice has played a big role in the College Football Playoff selection committee, per the Sporting News, and Cleveland.com notes she could become NFL commissioner one day. (A player's gesture cost Harvard's team a touchdown.)