Top Replacement Candidates for Rob Chudzinski with Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns announced that first-year head coach Rob Chudzinski was fired on Sunday. The team's front office made the decision following a 20-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17.

After a 3-2 start to the season, Cleveland ended up dropping 10 of its final 11 games, ultimately finishing 4-12. 

The Browns released this statement regarding the situation:

"We appreciate Chud's passion for the Browns, and we have great respect for him both personally and professionally. We needed to see progress with this football team. We needed to see development and improvement as the season evolved and, unfortunately, we took a concerning step backward in the second half of the year."

Chudzinski has dealt with quarterback issues all season long, having three different players start at the position (Jason Campbell, Brandon Weeden, Brian Hoyer). He may not have had much of a chance, but what's done is done. 

Let's take a look at five head coaching candidates who could take the reins in 2014.

Josh McDaniels

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Ed Werder of ESPN tweeted that Josh McDaniels would be a strong candidate for the vacant head coaching position in Cleveland. After all, McDaniels and Browns general manager Mike Lombardi have a history together.

When McDaniels was the head coach in Denver, he nearly hired Lombardi to join his staff. These two are very familiar with each other, and their relationship could quickly boost McDaniels' name to the top of the list.

The Browns are clearly looking to get the offense going, and McDaniels has the type of offensive mind that could propel the team to new heights.

McDaniels does have head coaching experience. In his first season in Denver (2009), the Broncos went 8-8, but a lackluster second season signaled his end with the organization.

Currently, McDaniels is serving as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the New England Patriots. Their high-octane style would be a welcomed sight for a Browns team that has been searching for an offensive identity for years.

Ken Whisenhunt

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Ken Whisenhunt should be considered a top candidate for head coaching positions this offseason. He also has experience at the position with the Arizona Cardinals (2007-2012).

This season, Whisenhunt served as the offensive coordinator for the resurgent San Diego Chargers, helping to revive quarterback Philip Rivers' career and lead the offensively driven team to a playoff berth.

Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported that Whisenhunt should be heavily considered for head coaching vacancies across the league for 2014.

If the Browns are to get their offense going and finally develop a quarterback who can deliver them a division title or playoff berth, they would do well to hang their hat on Whisenhunt.

Ray Horton

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Although Ray Horton doesn't have any head coaching experience, he has excelled as a defensive coordinator.

The Browns may want to hire an offensive-minded coach, but if they do go the defensive route, they could certainly keep things in-house with Horton.

Horton got things going nicely as a member of Ken Whisenhunt's staff with the Arizona Cardinals. As defensive coordinator there, Horton revamped the Cardinals defense and was considered for the Arizona head coaching position when Whisenhunt was fired.

Of course, it didn't turn out that way, and Horton was hired as defensive coordinator for the Browns. In his first year in Cleveland, the 2013 Browns defense finished ninth overall in the league.

Horton has a familiarity with the organization and has done nicely during his short tenure there. He certainly should be awarded an interview by the franchise.

Norv Turner

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Norv Turner may not be the sexiest choice for Cleveland's head coaching position, but he fits the bill.

Over his six years as head coach of the San Diego Chargers (2007-2012), his club never finished worse than second in the division or with a record under 7-9. Turner also had a 3-3 record in the playoffs with San Diego, and the Browns could use postseason experience at the helm.

At the end of his tenure in San Diego, Turner had a record of 56-40.

Turner is an offensive-minded coach who has the ability to get the most out of his quarterback. Philip Rivers had many successful years under Turner, and the Browns would welcome his ability to groom a long-term signal-caller.

Again, the Browns may not have to look far when searching for their next head coach.

Bill O'Brien

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Bill O'Brien successfully revamped a Penn State team that was in complete turmoil before his arrival. In his two years at Happy Vally, he led his team to consecutive winning seasons despite plenty of distractions.

This is why O'Brien is one of the most highly coveted NFL head coaching prospects for 2014.

O'Brien has already been in talks with the Houston Texans regarding their vacant head coaching position. However, according to a report by Will Brinson of CBS Sports, the Texans' search for a head coach is far from complete. 

The Browns have an advantage over many other NFL teams at this point. A quick firing of their head coach will allow them to get the ball rolling faster than most franchises. Since O'Brien is such a hot name, Cleveland could take advantage of its position and strike quickly.

O'Brien is an offensive-minded coach and does have NFL experience. Before his tenure at Penn State, he served as an offensive assistant for the New England Patriots from 2007-2011.

If the Browns are to land O'Brien, they must do so with haste.