The Cleveland Browns continue to move closer to the hiring of former Jets coach Eric Mangini after the team received permission to interview Baltimore Ravens pro personnel director George Kokinis for their general manager's vacancy.

The Browns have continued their search process, interviewing other candidates, but sources say Mangini had a "compelling" interview and owner Randy Lerner is fascinated with him.

If Mangini gets the job to replace the fired Romeo Crennel, the sources said the favorite to become the team's general manager would be George Kokinis, who is the director of pro personnel for the Baltimore Ravens.

The Browns received permission to speak with Kokinis after the Ravens beat Miami 27-9 on Sunday to advance in the AFC playoffs.

Kokinis and Mangini each were members of the Browns organization when Bill Belichick was coach. Mangini formally joined the staff as an assistant coach in 1995. Kokinis was a scout from 1991 to 1995 before moving with the team to Baltimore.