Shedeur Sanders wasn’t directly involved in the Cleveland Browns’ head coaching search — but he was still part of the process.
The Browns held an extensive coaching search that even included some unconventional tactics. The process featured a cognitive test, a personality assessment, and an in-depth questionnaire. One of the questions was specifically about Sanders, per Albert Breer of The MMQB.
“There’s another layer that we can now peel back on the Browns’ testing. One of the six questions on the test, I’m told, was ‘How would you develop Shedeur Sanders?’ (He was one of three players specifically mentioned in that question),” Breer said. “After poking around a bit, I can say the candidates didn’t take that as a definitive sign that the new Browns coach would have to start Sanders, nor did those guys get that impression in the interviews. Moreover, the question was designed to elicit the candidates’ views on the head coach’s role in developing players, specifically quarterbacks.
“Still, it’s at least notable that Sanders was the name they asked a question about. In the interviews, Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and Deshaun Watson were all part of the conversation. But candidates did get the idea that being able to get starter-level play out of Sanders was seen as a plus.”
Browns Have Not Committed to Shedeur Sanders as Starter
Sanders started seven games for Cleveland and went 3-4 in those contests, throwing for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He finished the season with a QBR of 18.9, one of the lowest marks among starting quarterbacks.
Sanders also flashed legitimate upside, especially with his ability to create off-schedule and make plays when things broke down. And it’s worth noting he was doing it behind a patchwork offensive line, in an offense that simply didn’t have many explosive weapons to lean on. However, it wasn’t enough for the Browns to back Sanders as the starter heading into next season.
“I think we saw a lot of progress with Shedeur this year. I think that’s both mentally, physically, playing the position. He’s still very much a work in progress like many rookie quarterbacks are,” Berry said. “Now that all being said, we’re going to do our work on the quarterback market. It’s too important of a position and it’s something that has to be solidified. I can’t sit here and tell you today, you know, whether the solution for or the starter in 2026 is internal or external. But it’s something that we’re going to work through over the next several weeks. And quite honestly, the new head coach will also have a lot of input into that as well.”
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Heading to Pro Bowl
Sanders did add a line to his resume this week. The former Colorado star is heading to the Pro Bowl as an alternate. Sanders is taking the place of New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.
“Thank you God. I’m beyond excited and extremely grateful for all the love and support from the coaches, players, and fans,” Sanders said in a statement. “This wouldn’t be possible without the support behind me. Still plenty of work to do.”
Sanders joins superstar defensive end Myles Garrett and cornerback Denzel Ward as representatives for the Browns. He’s the first Browns QB to be named to the Pro Bowl since Derek Anderson in 2007.
Browns Used Shedeur Sanders as Part of HC Interview Process