Nate Scheelhaase is quickly becoming one of the hottest names on the NFL coaching carousel - and for good reason. At just 35 years old, the Rams’ pass game coordinator has drawn serious interest from multiple teams with head-coaching vacancies, including the Cleveland Browns and now, the Buffalo Bills.
Scheelhaase’s rise through the coaching ranks has been steady and impressive. A former quarterback at Illinois, he transitioned into coaching at his alma mater not long after hanging up his cleats.
From there, he took on the offensive coordinator role at Iowa State, where he continued to build a reputation for developing quarterbacks and designing efficient, adaptable offenses. That skill set eventually landed him with the Rams, where he’s spent the last two seasons helping shape one of the NFL’s more creative passing attacks.
Now, Scheelhaase is firmly in the conversation for a top job - and the Bills have officially entered the mix, requesting an interview as they search for their next head coach.
If both Cleveland and Buffalo are seriously pursuing him, the Bills might offer the more intriguing opportunity. Not only is Buffalo coming off a string of playoff appearances, but the chance to work with Josh Allen - one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in the league - has to be a draw for any offensive-minded coach. Scheelhaase has built a reputation as a sharp quarterback developer, and the idea of pairing his scheme with Allen’s arm talent and mobility could be a match that turns heads across the league.
That said, Cleveland isn’t without its appeal. The Browns have a talented roster and have shown flashes of being a postseason contender. But the quarterback situation there is murkier, and for a coach like Scheelhaase - whose strength lies in maximizing quarterback play - that could be a key factor in weighing his options.
Regardless of where he lands, it’s clear Scheelhaase is more than just a rising star - he’s a legitimate head-coaching candidate with multiple teams vying for his services. His résumé might not be as long as some of the league’s veteran coaches, but his impact has been undeniable. Whether it’s in Buffalo, Cleveland, or somewhere else entirely, don’t be surprised if Nate Scheelhaase is leading an NFL team from the sidelines in 2026.