The Cleveland Browns‘ 2025 campaign went about as expected, as the team struggled all year long, posting a 4-13 record by the time all was said and done. The Browns’ woes cost head coach Kevin Stefanski his job, meaning Cleveland’s first order of business this offseason will involve finding his replacement.
In an effort to turn the franchise’s fortunes around, the Browns are casting a wide net when it comes to their head coach search. While they have scheduled interviews with several of the top candidates available, Cleveland has also requested to interview a surprise candidate in Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase.
Browns Request to Interview Nate Scheelhaase
As is usually the case, the Browns have their work cut out for them when it comes to establishing themselves as a winning franchise. While the defense was one of the more deadly units in the league, it didn’t matter because of how bad the offense was. Cleveland cycled through three quarterbacks this season, and it doesn’t seem any closer to finding its long-term starter at this position than it was when it entered the year.
As a result, the Browns are expected to hire an offensive-minded coach to come in and be their next leader. Guys like Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher and Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken have already interviewed for the gig, as has Cleveland’s own offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.
A more outside-the-box candidate is Scheelhaase, who has received quite a bit of attention for his work with Matthew Stafford during what could end up being an MVP campaign for him. At only 35 years old, Scheelhaase is still very young, but that isn’t going to stop the Browns from taking a close look at him to see if he could be their next head coach.
“Browns now have requested a head coach interview with Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase,” Adam Schefter of ESPN reported in a post on X.
Should the Browns Hire Nate Scheelhaase?
GettyThe Browns have requested to interview Rams’ passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase for their head coach opening
Scheelhaase is only in his second season with the Rams, but he’s quickly proven himself to be one of the brightest young offensive minds in the league. While there’s a decent chance that Scheelhaase is going to be lured away by another team for a bigger role as an offensive coach, it’s a bit of a surprise to see that Cleveland is already considering him as a potential head coach candidate.
For now, Scheelhaase is primarily focused on doing what he can to help the Rams go on a deep playoff run. Along the way, though, he will have a shot to earn the Browns’ head coaching gig, should he want to do so. Cleveland’s head coach search is only just getting underway, but based on this surprising decision, it’s clear the team is willing to look outside the box in an effort to find the guy who can help get the franchise on a winning path.
Browns Target 35-Year-Old ‘Rising Star’ Rams Coach for HC Interview