SHACK ENTERS BROWNS G.M. FRAY

At a time when the signs continue to point to Ravens director of pro personnel George Kokinis being the first choice to become the next G.M. of the Browns, another candidate will be interviewing on Thursday. The candidate in question is former Jaguars V.P. of player personnel James “Shack” Harris. Per the Akron Beacon Journal, Harris will interview for the job on Thursday. Other names have been mentioned as possible candidates, including former Redskins/Texans G.M. Charley Casserly, Patriots V.P. of player personnel Nick Cesario (who despite recently receiving a promotion could be hired by the Browns if he gets “final say” over the roster and the draft), and former Broncos G.M. Ted Sundquist. It’s unknown whether any of these men are actually candidates, or whether they will be interviewing for the job. Former Titans G.M. Floyd Reese made his interest in the job known even before former G.M. Phil Savage was fired. Kokinis can’t be hired until the Ravens’ postseason run ends. The fact that the Browns already have hired coach Eric Mangini could be viewed by some G.M. candidates as a reason not to take the job, since most General Managers prefer to have the ability to hire the new coach. The timing also creates a sense that, even though both men will be reporting directly to the owner, Mangini has more juice because owner Randy Lerner rushed to hire him. If Kokinis takes the job in Cleveland, Harris could be a potential replacement for Kokinis in Baltimore. Harris worked for the Ravens before getting the job in Jacksonville six years ago.