Just when the Cleveland Browns seemed to be closing in on a general manager, their search must now continue. Minnesota Vikings assistant general manager George Paton withdrew from consideration for the Browns’ general manager vacancy on Friday.
The news, reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, comes just days after Paton met with Cleveland for the second time. He received his second interview for the position on Tuesday, but ultimately declined to move forward after the meeting.
Paton has spent the past 13 seasons in Minnesota’s front office and became a respected voice alongside general manager Rick Spielman. He will now return to that role for the 2020 season, but this likely won’t be the last time he draws interest from other NFL teams.
Philadelphia Eagles executive Andrew Berry, who interviewed with the Browns on Jan. 17, remains a leading candidate for the position.