The NFL’s Black Monday has affected the New England Patriots even though the team is still in the playoff hunt.

After the Cleveland Browns fired head coach Rob Chudzinski on Sunday, the team reportedly was “pushing to interview” Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. It seems the Browns’ persistence paid off. The Patriots have reportedly granted Cleveland permission to interview McDaniels for the head coaching vacancy, per NFL Network’s Albert Breer.

That doesn’t mean McDaniels definitely is on his way out, though. According to one report, McDaniels might not take the job even if offered.

The earliest the Browns can interview McDaniels is Jan. 5.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick predictably was mum about the matter during his Tuesday news conference.