SPORTS digest

Browns interview Colts DC Eberflus

CLEVELAND

Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus has a past with the Browns. Maybe he’ll have a future as well.

One day after his Indianapolis defense held quarterback Deshaun Watson and Houston’s offense to just seven points in an AFC wild-card win, Eberflus became the sixth candidate to interview for Cleveland’s open coaching job.

The Colts’ dominant performance helped Eberflus boost a resume that already included a two-year stint (2009-10) coaching the Browns linebackers on Eric Mangini’s staff.

The 48-year-old Eberflus met Sunday with Cleveland general manager John Dorsey and other members of the Browns executive staff, which began its search by meeting with interim coach Gregg Williams on New Year’s Day.

Dorsey and his group have also interviewed New England linebackers coach Brian Flores, New Orleans assistant head coach/tight ends coach Dan Campbell, Minnesota offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski and former Detroit and Colts coach Jim Caldwell. Dorsey said last week that he intended to meet with Browns offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens, who was credited with helping rookie Baker Mayfield’s development.

The Browns have reportedly asked permission to interview Colts offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni, and Dorsey is expected to meet with former Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy.

Affectionately known as “Floos” by his players, Eberflus was one of the three assistants hired last year by Josh McDaniels, who agreed to become the Colts coach before changing his mind and staying in New England. General manager Chris Ballard promised to keep the new coaches before hiring Frank Reich, who didn’t know Eberflus. But Reich was convinced to keep him and that decision couldn’t have gone better.

Eberflus has worked wonders for a defense that underperformed for years. The Colts steadily improved and finished the regular season ranked No. 11 overall in yards and No. 10 in points. Last season, they ranked 30th in both categories.

Eberflus also managed to generate a pass rush despite that being a major concern. Also, Indianapolis has forced turnovers in 16 of 17 games.

In Saturday’s win, the Colts sacked Watson three times, harassed him all game and got one interception.

Schauffele wins Sentry Tournament

KAPALUA, Hawaii

Xander Schauffele tied the Plantation course record with an 11-under 62 on Sunday, and he needed every shot to beat Gary Woodland by one shot and win the Sentry Tournament of Champions.

Schauffele started the final round five shots out of the lead and opened with a bogey. He ran off three straight birdies. He chipped in for eagle at the turn. He holed a 107-yard wedge for eagle at No. 12. Tied with Woodland over the closing holes, Schauffele finished birdie-birdie to tie the course record last set four years ago.

Woodland, who holed a 12-foot birdie putt at No. 17 to tie for the lead, had a chance to force a playoff but missed a 10-foot birdie putt on the last hole.

Associated Press