The Cleveland Browns could be ready to announce their next head coach very soon.
Cleveland has been interviewing plenty of candidates throughout their process, and it appears a decision is near. The Browns are set to interview Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase on Monday, regardless of the Rams’ result in the NFC Championship Game.
Cleveland is also set to interview former Los Angeles Chargers coach Anthony Lynn on Sunday, which will satisfy the Rooney Rule. With that, Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot said the Browns will be ready to hire as soon as Monday, meaning a decision is very close.
“Browns are flying to Los Angeles to conduct their 2nd interview with Rams Nate Scheelhaase there on Monday, source tells me,” Cabot wrote on X. “It’s also their 2nd diverse candidate & they’ll be ready to hire by Monday. But Scheelhaase could also be Super Bowl-bound.”
The Browns have interviewed plenty of candidates, and the decision has been thorough, including making coaches write essays and do homework.
But, after all the work the Browns have put in to replace Kevin Stefanski, a decision is near.
Browns Reportedly Down to 3 Candidates
Cleveland appears to have its search down to three names.
The Browns have interviewed multiple candidates, while some candidates spurned them. Yet, NFL insider Adam Schefter appeared on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ on Friday and revealed the search is down to three candidates.
“It seems like the Browns are looking at one of these young offensive minds. Whether that’s the Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, or the Rams passing coordinator Nate Scheelhaase or Jim Schwartz,” Schefter said. “I think that that’s something they’re going to be looking at strongly.”
Schefter believes having Schwartz remaining on staff, whether as the head coach or defensive coordinator, is key. So, if he doesn’t land the job, the hope is that either Udinski or Scheelhaase will keep him as their defensive coordinator.
“If you want to keep that defense – the continuity of it – you can’t hire another defensive coach. You got to hire Jim Schwartz and he’s got to be the head coach,” Schefter said. “And these young offensive-minded head coaches, it’s up to the Browns to see when and if they’re ready. So to me, that’s the Browns’ choices: one of these young offensive minds or Jim Schwartz.”
Schwartz has been the Browns’ defensive coordinator since 2023. He was previously the Detroit Lions head coach from 2009 until 2013.
Cleveland Brings in Ex-GM to Help Head Coach Search
The Browns’ head coaching search has been extensive, and Cleveland made an intriguing addition to it.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported on Saturday that the Browns have brought in former Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders general manager Tom Telesco for the search.
“Among those involved in the Browns HC search is former Chargers and Raiders GM Tom Telesco, who has been serving as a consultant and helping the organization in its process to find a head coach. I’m told he has been in meetings with the in-person candidates,” Schultz wrote on X.
It’s clear the Browns are doing everything they can to make sure they make the correct hire at head coach.
Browns Get Clear Update on Head Coach Search as Decision Looms