"Browns coach Pat Shurmur has been talking to offensive coordinator candidates, mostly by phone, though it's unclear whether any formal interviews have taken place. "Candidates with options and deadlines" have been communicating with the organization, a league source said.

The Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, St. Louis Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to hire a coach. Those teams are expected to be in the market for a new offensive coordinator along with the Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers.

Shurmur juggled the roles of a first-year coach and an offensive coordinator during the 2011 season. After the Browns finished with a record of 4-12, Shurmur vowed to hire an offensive coordinator.

"More than anything, I think what it will do is allow me to just step back and look down on some things in some areas that I may be able to contribute more," Shurmur said Jan. 3 during his season-ending news conference. "I think that's a key piece.

"Keep in mind this: As the head coach of this team, I want to direct a team that is winning games. I have a general philosophy of how that works. You tweak it to do what fits best based on those principles to win games. I think that's just natural that you have an offensive coordinator.""