Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops has been ruled out of contention for the vacant Cleveland Browns job, according to reports.
The Browns have already interviewed three current NFL coaches with a view to possibly succeeding Rob Chudzinski in charge of the team, while they are also said to have permission to speak to one college coach.
Rumours circulated that it could be Stoops after the Ohio-born coach responded to questions over whether he may join the Browns by simply saying, "you never know".
However, league sources close to the team have now confirmed that Stoops was never on Cleveland's wishlist despite the 53-year-old becoming the first coach to win all four BCS bowls with a surprise victory over the Crimson Tide last week.
Stoops, who has a 160-39 record during his 15-season spell in charge of Oklahoma, signed a new contract in July that ties him to the team until 2020.
The Browns have interviewed New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles already.
Barney Corkhill
