CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Browns have put their interest in former Packers coach Mike McCarthy on hold for now, according to ESPN.com’s Rob Demovsky.

Demovsky, who covers the Packers, reported that the Browns talked to McCarthy or his representatives today and have put things on hold while they talk to other candidates.

McCarthy, Demovsky said, is still very much in play for the Jets job.

McCarthy worked for seven season in Green Bay with Browns GM John Dorsey, and even longer with assistant GM Eliot Wolf, who’s also on the search committee.

The Browns talked with either Mike McCarthy or his reps today, but things are on hold for now while the Browns talk to other candidates, according to sources. Meanwhile, McCarthy remains very much in play for the Jets. https://t.co/kJTxWyqMed — Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) January 7, 2019

The Browns, meanwhile, are interviewing offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens either today or tomorrow, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, but it’s most likely today.

The Browns are not confirming interviews until they’ve been completed.

Kitchens will be the Browns’ seventh candidate interviewed in the first wave. The first six were interim coach Gregg Williams, former Colts and Lions coach Jim Caldwell, former Vikings interim offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski, Saints assistant head coach/tight ends coach Dan Campbell, Patriots defensive coordinator Brian Flores, and Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.

They’ve also requested permission to talk to Colts offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni, according to NFL Network, but the Colts are preparing for their AFC Divisional playoff game against the Chiefs on Saturday.