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Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn on the sidelines Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013, during the second quarter of the Iron Bowl at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala. (Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com)

ANAHEIM, California -- The Cleveland Browns are "very interested" in interviewing Gus Malzahn for its vacancy, according to CBSSports.com.

The Browns, who recently fired first-season coach Rob Chudzinski, are interested in interviewing Malzahn and Vanderbilt coach James Franklin, according to NFL sources cited by reporter Jason La Canfora.

La Canfora, citing unidentified sources, writes that Malzahn is a candidate "who has most captured the imagination" of the Browns' organization.

Cleveland has received permission to interview three other candidates, according to Cleveland.com. The Browns are expected to interview Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles.

Malzahn has twice denied any interest in the opening at Texas, which is still searching for a coach. He has called Auburn his "dream job" several times while chatting on the booster club circuit. The first-year Auburn coach agreed to a new five-year deal worth $26.85 million during preparations for the SEC Championship.

"This where I want to be. I love Auburn," Malzahn said Dec. 8. "You start hearing rumors about this stuff. I didn't want our players or coaches or fans to wonder how I felt. I wanted to be here and I'm one blessed guy to be the head coach of the Auburn Tigers."

One week later, Malzahn reiterated his commitment to the Tigers.

"I'm a good fit for Auburn Tigers," Malzahn said Dec. 16. "That's why I signed a contract the day before the SEC Championship. Like I said before, I'm tickled to death to be here."

Malzahn's name is not the first from the state of Alabama to be mentioned for the Cleveland job. Alabama coach Nick Saban was mentioned last year before Chudzinski was hired.

The Browns are expected to ask their new head coach to hire Jim Schwartz as the defensive coordinator.

No. 2 Auburn (12-1) will face No. 1 Florida State (13-0) in the BCS Championship on Jan. 6.