Browns GM search hits New England

The Browns passed on a chance to hire one of the Patriots' coaches. Now, they'll consider someone who helped build New England into an NFL dynasty.

With Vikings offensive coordinator

Kevin

Stefanski on

board as their new coach, the Browns have accelerated the search for a general manager. They will interview Patriots director of college scouting Monti Ossenfort, a person familiar with the meeting told The Associated Press on Thursday.

Ossenfort, who has been with New England for 15 seasons, will talk with the Browns on Friday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team is not disclosing its plans before interviews take place.

Cleveland will also meet today with Eagles vice president of football operations Andrew Berry, the person said. The Browns also intend to interview Vikings vice president of player personnel/assistant general manager George Paton at some point.

CONTROVERSIAL CHOICE FOR SUPER BOWL REF

Two people familiar with the assignment tell The Associated Press that Bill Vinovich was chosen to work this year's Super Bowl because he had the highest rating among referees.

The selection of Vinovich has met with some disfavor from players and fans, noting that he was the referee in last year's NFC championship game marred by an egregious missed penalty call on the Rams that helped them get to the Super Bowl.

Vinovich will be working his second Super Bowl and 14th career playoff game. That includes three conference championships.