Key Highlights
- The Cleveland Browns are considering young offensive-minded candidates Grant Udinski and Nate Scheelhaase for their head coach vacancy.
- Jim Schwartz, the team’s defensive coordinator, remains a strong contender despite his age.
- The Browns will interview Scheelhaase in Los Angeles on Monday for the second time.
- Five candidates are still in the running, including Todd Monken and Anthony Lynn.
Cleveland Browns Head Coach Search: Young Talent vs. Veteran Experience
The Cleveland Browns are narrowing down their search for a new head coach with a focus on young talent while keeping veteran experience firmly in mind. According to league sources, the team is leaning towards either Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski or Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase as their top candidates to replace Kevin Stefanski.
Udinski, who turned 30 just a month ago on January 12, and Scheelhaase, at 35, both bring innovative ideas and leadership skills that align with the Browns’ offensive vision. Udinski’s second interview on Friday went well, while Scheelhaase will be interviewed in Los Angeles for the second time on Monday.
Young Rising Stars
Grant Udinski has quickly risen through the ranks of the NFL, known for his innovative and creative approach to offensive play. His interview with the Browns on Friday at team headquarters in Berea was described as going well by a league source, keeping him high on their list. At 30 years old, Udinski would be the youngest head coach ever hired in the NFL, surpassing Sean McVay’s record set when he took over the Rams.
Veteran Experience
Jim Schwartz, the team’s defensive coordinator and a former head coach with the Detroit Lions from 2014 to 2018, is still in contention despite his age. Schwartz has been praised by key defenders such as Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward for his leadership and coaching abilities. His presence at the Browns would also allow him to return to the head coaching position he held briefly in 2013.
Other Candidates
The Browns are also considering other candidates, including Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and Commanders running backs coach/run game coordinator Anthony Lynn. Monken is the only candidate with prior head coaching experience, having been the head coach of the Chargers from 2016 to 2018.
Timeline and Next Steps
The Browns will fly to Los Angeles on Monday to interview Scheelhaase for a second time. Depending on the outcome of this meeting and the Rams’ Super Bowl prospects, the team may be able to hire Scheelhaase as early as Monday after his interview. The other candidates are set to either interview with the Browns a second time or for the first time, ensuring a thorough evaluation process.
By the end of their interviews on Monday, the Browns should have a clearer idea of who will be taking over as head coach.
However, they may need to wait until February 9 if Scheelhaase is hired by the Rams after their Super Bowl appearance. Regardless, the search for the next leader of the Cleveland Browns continues with a mix of youth and experience in contention.