Another candidate has withdrawn from consideration for the Cleveland Browns’ head coaching job.
Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and the Browns decided to scrap his second interview, which was scheduled for Thursday, January 22, per Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com.
“The interview was canceled because Minter felt strongly about being hired as head coach by one of the other teams with whom he’s interviewed,” Cabot said. “He’s had second interviews with teams such as the Raiders and Ravens, and felt his chances of landing the job were better elsewhere.”
The decision from Minter comes after former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel withdrew from his second interview with the Browns. It leaves Cleveland with four finalists. Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, and Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase are still in the mix. The Browns will also have to add another in-person interview with a minority and/or a woman to satisfy the Rooney Rule.
There’s a chance that Minter could still land in the AFC North. Jordan Schultz reported that his interview with the Ravens “went very well” and he’s in strong consideration for the job.
Browns DC Jim Schwartz Still in Mix
The Browns have been clear that they’d like to keep Schwartz in the mix, either as their next head coach or in place as the defensive coordinator. The new skipper will have the final call but the Browns’ preference might be something that sways defensive candidates, like Minter.
The 59-year-old just completed his third season as Cleveland’s defensive coordinator. Since Schwartz arrived, the Browns’ defense has ranked first in the NFL across a wide range of metrics, including total yards allowed per game, opponent first downs, third- and fourth-down conversion percentage, passing yards allowed per game, first downs per pass attempt and tackles for loss.
Despite a 5-12 record, the Browns finished the season allowing the fourth-fewest total yards (283.6 per game) and the third-fewest passing yards (167.2). The defense also ranked third in the league with 53 sacks — a franchise record — and tied for second with eight defensive touchdowns.
Schwartz previously served as head coach of the Detroit Lions from 2009-13. His 29 years of NFL coaching experience include 17 seasons as a defensive coordinator, with stops in Tennessee, Buffalo and Philadelphia, where he helped the Philadelphia Eagles win Super Bowl LII.
Browns Offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees Leave for Falcons
One coordinator who will not be returning to the Browns is Tommy Rees, who will be joining ex-Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski with the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons officially announced the move on Thursday in a social media post.
Cleveland’s offense struggled mightily in 2025, finishing near the bottom of the league in most major statistical categories. The Browns ranked 29th in yards per game (262.1) and 31st in points per game (16.4), while cycling through quarterbacks and dealing with significant personnel limitations. Rees took over play-calling duties from Stefanski after the bye week.
Four teams have already made their head coaching hires. The Falcons brought in Stefanski, Jim Harbaugh has signed on with the New York Giants, former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is with the Tennessee Titans and the Miami Dolphins inked Jeff Hafley to a deal.
Another Head Coach Candidate Bails on Browns