Everett, Wash.
Published: Saturday, January 10, 2009

49ers interview Chudzinski for O-coordinator job

Associated Press

 SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Rob Chudzinski, the Cleveland Browns' offensive coordinator for the past two seasons, is interviewing with 49ers coach Mike Singletary for San Francisco's vacant offensive coordinator job.

Former St. Louis coach Scott Linehan and Indianapolis receivers coach Clyde Christensen interviewed with the 49ers on Friday.

Chudzinski was praised in 2007 when Cleveland's offense scored 402 points and finished eighth in the NFL, but his unit slumped to 31st this season, contributing to coach Romeo Crennel's firing. Chudzinski got a contract extension from Cleveland last season, but isn't expected to stay on new coach Eric Mangini's staff.

Mangini, fired by the Jets before taking over in Cleveland, is expected to hire New York quarterbacks coach Brian Daboll as his offensive coordinator.

The 40-year-old Chudzinski is an up-and-coming offensive mind, but he was known for a pass-first philosophy with Cleveland quarterbacks Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn, which might not fit Singletary's vision of a run-based offense in San Francisco.

The 49ers are searching for their seventh offensive coordinator in seven seasons after Singletary fired Mike Martz late last month. San Francisco's offense improved under Martz after being the NFL's worst in two of the previous three seasons.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA