The Cleveland Browns are finding themselves in an all-too-familiar position this offseason - searching for a head coach and coming up empty. And this time, it’s not just about missing out on their top choice.
Multiple candidates have actively pulled their names from consideration, signaling a clear reluctance to take on the Browns’ current challenge. It’s a stark contrast to the confidence the Atlanta Falcons showed in hiring Kevin Stefanski - and a move that’s looking smarter by the day.
Let’s be clear: Stefanski wasn’t the problem in Cleveland. Despite inheriting rosters that were often thin on top-tier talent, he managed to guide the Browns to the playoffs twice and earned AP Coach of the Year honors both times.
That’s no small feat in the rugged AFC North. But after a few disappointing seasons and a growing rift with the front office - particularly over the Deshaun Watson trade - Stefanski was shown the door.
Now, the Browns are struggling to find anyone willing to walk through it.
The latest to back away is Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, who officially removed himself from the Browns’ coaching search. According to reports, Udinski has signed a new deal with Jacksonville that gives him a raise, while still allowing him to explore future opportunities.
But Cleveland? Not interested.
And Udinski isn’t alone. Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, new Ravens head coach Jesse Minter (formerly with the Chargers), and new Giants head coach John Harbaugh (formerly with the Ravens) have all declined to engage with the Browns’ opening. That’s a list of respected, in-demand coaches - and none of them want to touch this job.
That leaves Cleveland with just four known candidates still in the mix: Nate Scheelhaase, Jim Schwartz, Todd Monken, and Anthony Lynn. While each brings something to the table, it’s hard to ignore the optics here. The Browns are quickly running out of options, and the coaching world seems to be sending a message: this isn’t a job people are lining up for.
Meanwhile, in Atlanta, Stefanski is stepping into a far more favorable situation. He inherits an offense with real playmakers in Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and potentially Kyle Pitts - not to mention a solid offensive line that can give him the flexibility to run the kind of balanced attack he prefers. Defensively, the Falcons have a young, ascending group that just needs the right structure to take the next step.
Of course, the biggest question Stefanski faces in Atlanta is under center. With Michael Penix Jr. expected to miss the early part of the season, the Falcons will need a stopgap solution. But long term, it’s about grooming Penix into a franchise quarterback - and if Stefanski could get playoff runs out of a young Baker Mayfield and a struggling Deshaun Watson, there’s reason to believe he can elevate this Falcons team, too.
Back in Cleveland, the shadow of the Watson trade still looms large. Stefanski reportedly wasn’t on board with the move, and it’s hard to blame him.
The deal has been a disaster, tying up cap space and creating instability at the most important position in football. It’s the kind of decision that doesn’t just derail a season - it can derail a coaching tenure.
And now, it may be derailing the Browns’ ability to hire their next coach.
For Stefanski, the move to Atlanta offers a fresh start - and maybe even a bit of vindication. He’s walking into a situation with talent, support, and a front office that appears to be aligned with his vision. For the Browns, the search continues, but with fewer and fewer willing candidates, the road ahead looks anything but smooth.