Source: Panthers DC Sean McDermott to interview with Cleveland Browns on Thursday

Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott is scheduled to interview with the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night in Charlotte, according to a league source with knowledge of the meeting.

McDermott, who has made it clear he believes he’s ready to become a head coach, also expressed interest in the Philadelpha Eagles’ job Tuesday on a Philadelphia radio station. McDermott is a Philadelphia native and former Eagles assistant.

Cleveland fired coach Mike Pettine and general manager Ray Farmer on Monday after a 3-13 finish. The Browns announced Tuesday they have hired Paul DePodesta of the New York Mets as their chief strategy officer.

If Cleveland hires McDermott, it would mark the second time the Browns have plucked an assistant from Panthers coach Ron Rivera’s staff to be their coach.

Former Carolina offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski left Charlotte after the 2012 season for what turned out to be a 1-year stint in Cleveland.

McDermott, 41, has overseen a Panthers’ defense that has ranked in the top 10 in total defense each of the past four seasons. The Panthers (15-1), who have a bye this week before hosting a divisional-round game Jan. 17, ranked sixth defensively this season.

McDermott interviewed for the head-coaching vacancy at Washington two years ago before Jay Gruden was hired. He was scheduled to meet with the Jets last year but the interview was canceled after Todd Bowles was hired.

This story was originally published January 5, 2016 at 1:56 PM with the headline "Source: Panthers DC Sean McDermott to interview with Cleveland Browns on Thursday."