Former NFL head coach Bruce Arians acknowledged his long-time interest in becoming the head coach of the Cleveland Browns this weekend. However, if it is not Arians, he would endorse one man for the job: former Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano.

“My guy would be Chuck Pagano,” Arians said via CantonRep.com.

Pagano was fired by the Colts after the 2017 NFL regular season. He compiled a 53-43 record as a head coach over six seasons. The 58 year old's NFL coaching career began as the secondary coach of the Browns from 2001-2004. He spent two seasons in the same role with the Oakland Raiders before being hired by the Baltimore Ravens. After three seasons as defensive backs coach, he was promoted to defensive coordinator.

On Jan. 25, 2012, the Colts hired him to be their new head coach. Pagano won an in-house power struggle with then General Manager Ryan Grigson. During his first season as head coach, Pagano was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia. He missed roughly three quarters of the regular season before returning in the final week after his cancer had gone into remission.

Arians was on Pagano's staff in 2012. He served as offensive coordinator and interim head coach during the coach's bout with cancer.

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There are a few reasons why it is unlikely that Pagano would be considered for the vacancy. First, he is a defensive-minded head coach. Cleveland has made it clear that their primary focus is surrounding rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield with coaches that can aid in his development. The decision to hire a defensive-minded head coach, especially in a league that is so offense-centric right now, would not meet that criteria.

The second reason why it is unlikely that Pagano would be considered is the culmination of his time in Indianapolis. The Colts hired Chris Ballard to be their new General Manager in 2017. Pagano lasted just one season with Ballard, who was Browns General Manager John Dorsey's understudy with the Kansas City Chiefs.