AP

The Browns’ head coaching search appears to be nearing a conclusion.

Peter King of NBC and Sports Illustrated is “hearing” that the team could have a new head coach in place by Thursday, and Rams offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur has been the favorite for the position all along.

Browns club president Mike Holmgren has also interviewed Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell and Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey. Shurmur interviewed for the job last Friday.

Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg was initially among those expected to be strongly considered by Holmgren, but now looks to be out of luck.

Shurmur called plays for a St. Louis offense in 2010 that ranked 25th in yards per game. Running back Steven Jackson averaged a career-low 3.76 yards per carry, and quarterback Sam Bradford ranked 30th in yards per pass attempt.