The Cleveland Browns‘ head coaching search could go on for quite some time.
Cleveland was one of the first teams to have a head coaching vacancy as the Browns fired Kevin Stefanski after the season. Yet, the job is still vacant as some candidates have withdrawn their names from the search and canceled interviews.
Now, NFL insider Tom Pelissero of NFL Network went on The Rich Eisen Show and said the Browns are making candidates write an essay. Eisen was quick to wonder out loud if anyone actually wants to coach Cleveland with all the extra work and headaches.
“Does anyone want to be the head coach,” Eisen said.
It’s a harsh comment from Eisen, but there is some legs to it after multiple coaches canceled their interviews to pursue jobs elsewhere.
However, Cleveland has interviewed some candidates and appears to have a serious interest in Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski. The Browns have also spoken to their defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, about the job.
Stefanski went 45-56 in six seasons as the Browns’ head coach. He led the team to the playoffs twice and was named Coach of the Year twice.
Browns Have Odd Request for HC Candidates
Eisen’s harsh comments come after Pelissero reported the odd tactics the Browns are using.
Pelissero revealed the Browns are asking candidates to write an essay and do homework as part of the interview request.
“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.”
It’s an odd tactic by the Browns, which could very well hinder their chances of landing one of the top coaches.
Udinski a Potential Front-Runner for HC Job
Although the Browns have seen some candidates go elsewhere, Udinski appears to be one of the front-runners to land the job.
ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler said there is mutual interest with Udinski as he’s set for a second interview.
“Browns hosting Jaguars OC Grant Udinski today in Cleveland,” Fowler wrote. “Interest in Udinski is real. The expectation as of now is Cleveland goes into next week with the search and definitely wants to speak with Rams assistant Nate Scheelhaase. But Udinski has his chance to impress in-person.”
Udinski finished his first season as the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator. At just 30-years-old, he’s considered the next great offensive-mind in the sport. Before the OC job, he worked alongside Kevin O’Connell with the Minnesota Vikings, where he learned plenty.
Insider Drops Harsh Comments on Browns Head Coaching Search