The Cleveland Browns‘ head coach search has been an ugly one.
Cleveland has cast a wide net, but multiple coaches withdrew their interest to take other jobs. However, the Browns did have some mutual interest in Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, who had two interviews with the Browns.
Yet, on Monday, NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that Udinski has withdrawn his name from consideration for the Browns job. Instead, he’ll focus on the Buffalo Bills head coaching job or will return to Jacksonville.
“Jaguars OC Grant Udinski has informed the Browns that he is removing himself from consideration for their HC position, per a source,” Schefter wrote on X. “Udinski has a new deal in place with Jacksonville that will bump his pay for next season, but the Jaguars are allowing him to continue pursuing the Bills’ HC job. If Udinski doesn’t get the Buffalo job, he will be back as the Jaguars’ OC.”
Udinski’s withdrawal from the Browns head coaching search is a massive blow to Cleveland. He was one of the top candidates and is considered the next offensive genius, but he won’t be coaching the Browns.
Browns Set to Interview Scheelhaase
Although Udinski withdrew his name from consideration, the Browns are continuing on with its head coach search.
NFL insider Dianni Russini of The Athletic revealed the Browns are set to interview Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase on Monday.
“The Cleveland Browns are getting right to work this morning. They are in the Los Angeles area to meet with Rams passing game coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase for their head coaching vacancy,” Russini wrote on X.
Scheelhaase could now be the front-runner for the job with Udinski no longer being interested. The offensive-minded is among the favorites to land Cleveland’s job, along with current defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
The Browns could also make their hiring very soon, according to insider Mary Kay Cabot.
“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.”
Cleveland has a Unique Approach to HC Search
The Browns have been using an odd tactic in their head coach search.
Cleveland is leaving no stone unturned, as NFL insider Tom Pelissero said the team is making candidates write an essay and do homework as part of the head coach search.
“The Browns’ search process is unlike any other in the NFL, and it plays to certain types of candidates,” Pelissero said on The Rich Eisen Show. “They are a data-driven operation in Cleveland. They spend an extraordinary amount of time gathering data on their coaching candidates. You’re talking about taking a personality test, about writing an essay. You’re talking about completing homework assignments between the first and second rounds of interviews.
“It plays toward the types of candidates that they have in the mix, which is very smart people. Questionnaires, a multi-part essay, and a personality test — and additional homework assignments if you get through the first round and into the second round.”
The Browns are looking to replace Kevin Stefanski who they fired after six seasons.
Browns Get Horrible News as Another Top Candidate Withdraws From HC Search