It’s looking more and more like the Patriots will need a new offensive coordinator soon. But they may not be in the market for a new vice-president of player personnel.

Josh McDaniels, the Pats’ 32-year-old offensive coordinator, interviewed for the Denver Broncos’ vacant head-coaching job yesterday morning, and NFL.com is reporting he’s the favorite to land the position. The Broncos’ owner, Pat Bowlen, reportedly sees in McDaniels many of the same attributes he saw in his two most successful hires, Dan Reeves and Mike Shanahan.

Denver interviewed Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo on Saturday, and will talk to Buccaneers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris today.

But Scott Pioli may not be leaving New England — at least not for Cleveland, if the last few days are any indication.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported last night that the Browns have received permission to interview Ravens director of pro personnel George Kokinis for their general-manager vacancy. Kokinis worked with former Jets coach Eric Mangini in Cleveland under Bill Belichick in the 1990s, and Mangini told Browns owner Randy Lerner that Kokinis would be his choice for GM if he were the Browns’ coach.

Mangini has reportedly become Lerner’s choice as coach. The Plain Dealer reports that if the interview with Kokinis goes well, Lerner will hire both Kokinis and Mangini this week.

One of Pioli’s demands is that he be given the authority to choose the coach, and Lerner’s flirtations with Mangini and Kokini may be an indication the Browns are moving in another direction.

Pioli is also scheduled to interview with the Kansas City Chiefs this week.