Report: Browns Secretly Interviewed Wisconsin HC Gary Anderson

#Browns tried it all during coaching search. Source says they secretly interviewed #Wisconsin coach Gary Andersen, who got a raise on 1/25

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 11, 2014

This comes just hours after the Browns announced a complete overhaul of their front office.

Anderson has since confirmed that he met with the Browns, but it doesn’t sound like talks progressed beyond a preliminary discussion.

“Officials from the Cleveland Browns contacted me to talk about their head coaching vacancy,” Andersen said in a statement released by the University on Tuesday. “After our initial conversation, I decided not to pursue the position. I am committed to the University of Wisconsin and the student-athletes in our program.

“I love the city of Madison and am grateful for all the support from Badgers fans around the state and around the country. I look forward to the start of spring football in a couple weeks and turning the focus to preparing for 2014.”

“I’m appreciative that Gary handled all of this the right way,” said Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez. “He alerted me immediately that he had been contacted by the Browns and affirmed his commitment to the University of Wisconsin.

“When you have talented coaches on your roster, there will always be people who want to talk to them. I think that Gary is one of the top coaches in the country and am glad that he is leading our team.”

Wisconsin gave Anderson a raise this past offseason after just one season with the Badgers. He had a 9-4 record in 2013.