Im sure that Pitts DC had his hand in the hiring too. A couple years ago Teryl Austin talked **** about the Rooney Rule too and having to go on sham interviews after being beat out by
Dan Quinn (Atl), and his super bowl defense
Rex Ryan (Buf), who had 2 AFC Championship games, and a great D on his resume
John Fox (Chicago)..coming off playoffs 4 years in a row
Tomsula (SF)..not a quality candidate but was in house and the GM's boy
Kubiak (Den)..a well respected offensive mind throughout the league
Hue Jackson (Cle)...embraced the tank for pay they wanted
McAdoo (NYG)..turned the Giants offensive around and was in house
Pederson (Phil)..good play calling for the Chiefs
Murlarkey (Tenn)..not a quality candidate, in house
Lynn (Chargers)... similiar resume to McD
McVay (Rams)...lead Kirk Cousins to an almost 5000 yard season.
So yeah he probably didnt have a great chance at the jobs, but its not like he got beat out by ****. Im sure Cleveland would've hired him if he ask for less money per loss than Hue.
But yeah, im sure their DC probably called up Tomlin and said you have to bring him in, you dont know what its like to get turned down for a HC job you arent the best qualified for