Chudzinski is third O.C. candidate to meet with Singletary, McCloughan

Former Browns offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski today became the third candidate to interview at the team’s offices in Santa Clara for the 49ers’ offensive coordinator position. He met with coach Mike Singletary and general manager Scot McCloughan.

Colts receivers coach Clyde Christensen and former Rams coach Scott Linehan kicked off the formal interview process on Friday.

Chudzinski, 40, turned down an opportunity last year to interview for the Ravens head-coaching position when the Browns awarded him a lucrative contract extension. But new Browns coach Eric Mangini did not retain Chudzinski on his staff. Mangini replaces fired Romeo Crennel.

Chudzinski could bring the tight end back into the passing game for the 49ers. Vernon Davis was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2006 draft. Davis caught 52 passes for 509 yards and four touchdowns in ’07, and appeared to be emerging as a pass-catching target. However, Davis managed just 31 receptions for 358 yards and two touchdowns in Mike Martz’s offense, as he became used more frequently as a blocker.

Chudzinski’s background is as a tight ends coach. He worked under coordinator Cam Cameron with the Chargers in 2005 and ’06. Tight end Antonio Gates was named to the Pro Bowl each of those seasons.

He also worked with Kellen Winslow at the University of Miami, as well as during his two stints with the Browns. Chudzinski was elevated from tight ends coach to offensive coordinator for the final five games of 2004 after Terry Robiskie took over as head coach following the resignation of head coach Butch Davis.

Prior to his arrival in the NFL with the Browns, Chudzinski spent a total of 10 seasons at Miami as an assistant. During three seasons as offensive coordinator, the Hurricanes played in three BCS games, including twice for the BCS championship. Frank Gore, Clinton Portis, Willis McGahee, Andre Johnson, Bryant McKinnie and Ken Dorsey played for Chudzinski.

CHUDZINSKI FILE

2007-08: Offensive coordinator, Cleveland Browns

2005-06: Tight ends, San Diego Chargers

2004: Tight ends/offensive coordinator, Cleveland Browns

2001-03: Offensive coordinator/tight ends, University of Miami (Fla.)

1996-2000: Tight ends, University of Miami (Fla.)

1994-95: Graduate assistant, University of Miami (Fla.)

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Obviously, the interview yesterday with Christensen came out of nowhere. The big connection appears to be 49ers offensive line coach Chris Foerster. Christensen and Foerster overlapped eight seasons on Tony Dungy’s staffs with the Buccaneers and Colts. Foerster was added to the 49ers’ staff last offseason. He took over sole duties at line coach when George Warhop was fired along with coach Mike Nolan in October.

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