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Baylor head coach Matt Rhule has declined to interview with the Cleveland Browns, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Rhule, who has led Baylor to an 11-2 season and a Sugar Bowl appearance, is a "leading candidate" for the New York Giants' and Carolina Panthers' open head coaching positions, per Schefter. The Browns are also in the market for a head coach after firing Freddie Kitchens.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the Dallas Cowboys, who are expected to move on from head coach Jason Garrett, will "almost certainly" be interested in Rhule as well.

Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk expanded on what Rhule's reported decline of a Browns interview may mean while also noting his near-deal with the New York Jets last year.

"But it does indicate that he doesn't see Cleveland as a good fit, which may say something about his feelings about owner Jimmy Haslam and/or general manager John Dorsey.

"Last year, Rhule was reportedly close to taking the Jets' head coaching job, but he ultimately pulled out because he wanted total authority over his coaching staff, and the team wasn't offering him that. Any team that wants Rhule is going to have to convince him that he's going to get to do things his way."

The Rhule-Giants connection has garnered a lot of smoke from multiple sources over the past few days.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen said Rhule was "prominent" in the Giants' search. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network called him a "name to watch," and Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated wrote the Giants were the "most likely" to land him.

And Rhule is reportedly interested in the Giants.

Matt Lombardo of NJ Advance Media reported he would "jump at the opportunity," and Connor Hughes of The Athletic relayed comments from a league source who said the Giants are his "dream job."

The Giants could have some NFC East competition for Rhule, however, with Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports reporting the team is concerned Dallas could end up making the Baylor coach its top target.

As for the Panthers, Rapoport said Rhule and New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels are the "top two names to consider" for the job.

Regardless of whether Rhule goes to the Giants, Cowboys, Panthers or decides to stick with Baylor, he is reportedly not headed to the Browns, who will press on to find their seventh head or interim head coach in 10 seasons.