Prior to hiring new GM John Dorsey, the Browns also formally interviewed former Bills GM Doug Whaley, sources tell Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). They also informally touched base with a few other possible candidates. 
A cynic might look at the Whaley interview as a cheap ploy to satisfy the NFL’s “Rooney Rule,” which stipulates that a minority candidate must be interviewed for every GM and head coaching job. As soon as Sashi Brown was shown the door, it was reported that Dorsey was the frontrunner for the job. Less than 24 hours later, Dorsey was hired. It seems unlikely that Whaley ever had a real chance of landing the position.
Before news of the Whaley interview came out, John Wooten, the head of Fritz Pollard Alliance, said he was “livid” over the Browns’ immediate hire of Dorsey.
“I think John Dorsey is a very top quality GM,” Wooten told Jarrett Bell of USA Today Sports. “I am livid that the Browns would totally ignore the work all of us to make the Rooney Rule meaningful.”
With multiple GM vacancies expected to open up this offseason, it’s possible that Whaley will get some real bites. Then again, he might have to rebuild his reputation before landing another NFL GM job. The Bills’ best record during Whaley’s tenure was 9-7 and they did not qualify for the playoffs in any of his four seasons at the helm.
The Browns chose the GM they wanted and were targeting.
Dorsey is a better GM then Whaley.
The fact this is even an issue or being talked about is utter BS.
*crying* a white GM was chosen over a black GM *crying*
Grow up. Blame the Rooney rule for Whaley being put into this position. The browns had to meet with a minority candidate. End of the day they chose a GM with a better track record and moved quickly before another team had a chance to (Giants come to mind since they fired Reese).
Where’s the Rooney Rule for the RB position?
The Rooney Rule has always been a formality. If someone is qualified he will get the job weather he’s green , black or white.