Cleveland Browns hire 1986 St. John's alumnus Rob Chudzinski as new head coach

Rob Chudzinski will become the Browns' sixth full-time coach since 1999

CLEVELAND — A person familiar with the decision says the Cleveland Browns have hired Rob Chudzinski, a 1986 St. John's Jesuit graduate, as their new coach.

Chudzinski, who was the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers this season, will become the Browns' sixth full-time coach since 1999, said the person who spoke to The Associated Press tonight on the condition of anonymity because the team has not yet announced the hiring. The 44-year-old Chudzinski has spent the past two seasons with the Panthers. He has had two previous stints with the Browns as an assistant coach.

Chudzinski, who grew up in Ohio and rooted for the Browns as a kid, interviewed with the team on Wednesday. He has spent the past two years working with quarterback Cam Newton.

The Browns have been searching for a coach since firing Pat Shurmur on Dec. 31 after a 5-11 season.