The Cleveland Browns' offseason is heating up-and not in the way fans might’ve hoped. What started as a promising head coaching search has taken a sharp turn, with one of the most intriguing names reportedly pulling out of the race.
Mike McDaniel, who had been scheduled for a second interview in Northeast Ohio, is now off the board. That’s a major curveball for a Browns front office already navigating a crowded, competitive coaching carousel.
McDaniel’s withdrawal tightens the field and adds pressure to the Browns’ decision-makers, who are now juggling a shrinking list of candidates. Two names are already out of the running, and while six others are reportedly lined up for second interviews, the absence of McDaniel-a creative offensive mind with a proven track record-leaves a noticeable void. The Browns are conducting one second interview per day, methodically working through their list, but with the stakes this high, time and precision are both critical.
Among those still in play is Todd Monken, the Ravens' offensive coordinator. Monken has already completed his second interview with Cleveland, and while his resume is solid, there are questions about whether his candidacy will gain real traction. Some around the league are skeptical that his second meeting with the Browns truly moves the needle, especially given the uncertainty surrounding other top-tier candidates.
And it’s not just the coaching search dominating headlines in Cleveland. The quarterback situation is drawing plenty of attention, too.
Shedeur Sanders, the high-profile rookie, is expected to have competition heading into next season. While nothing is official, there’s buzz around the Browns potentially bringing in another quarterback to push Sanders-and maybe even take the reins.
One name floating around in free agency is Malik Willis, a former high draft pick who hasn’t quite found his footing in the league but still offers upside as a developmental option. The message is clear: Sanders won't be handed the starting job without a fight.
Adding to the intrigue, a recent prediction has the Browns benching Sanders in favor of a veteran NFC quarterback. While no names have been confirmed, this suggests the front office is keeping its options open and isn’t afraid to shake things up under center.
Meanwhile, the Browns may also be looking to upgrade their weapons on the outside. Reports have linked the team to potential trades for a true WR1, with names like A.J.
Brown and Brandon Aiyuk surfacing as possible targets. Both would represent bold moves-Aiyuk brings route-running precision and yards-after-catch ability, while Brown is a physical, explosive force who can take over games.
Either would give the Browns' offense a much-needed jolt.
On the defensive side of the ball, there’s at least some good news. The Browns’ rookie class is earning recognition, with linebacker Carson Schwesinger being named Defensive Rookie of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America.
He’s been a tackling machine all season, showing instincts and leadership well beyond his years. Fellow rookie Mason Graham also got the nod, making the PFWA’s All-Rookie Team at defensive tackle.
That’s a strong foundation for a defense that already has some key pieces in place.
But even off the field, drama continues to swirl. Former Cleveland mayor Dennis Kucinich has filed another lawsuit in an effort to block the Browns’ proposed move to Brook Park. This marks his second legal challenge aimed at keeping the team within city limits, and it adds yet another layer of complexity to an already chaotic offseason.
And while the Browns’ coaching search continues, the league isn’t waiting around. Two other NFL teams have already made their hires-one of which may have included a coach who interviewed with Cleveland. Each new hire elsewhere narrows the Browns’ pool and heightens the urgency to lock in the right fit.
Lastly, there’s some skepticism around Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman-winning college quarterback who just wrapped up a dominant season. Despite his accolades, some within NFL circles-reportedly including Deshaun Watson’s own coach-don’t believe Mendoza is ready to make the leap to the pros. It's a reminder that success in college doesn’t always translate to Sundays, and that the evaluation process is as much about projection as it is production.
So where does that leave the Browns? In the thick of it.
They’re balancing a high-stakes coaching search, a quarterback competition that’s far from settled, potential blockbuster moves at wide receiver, and even legal battles over their future home. It’s a lot to juggle-but that’s life in the NFL when expectations are sky-high and patience is running low.