Browns Coaching Search Narrows as Candidates Drop Out, Spotlight Shifts to Nate Scheelhaase
What started as a relatively quiet coaching cycle for the Cleveland Browns has quickly turned into a high-stakes scramble. When the Browns parted ways with Kevin Stefanski, it looked like they might have a head start on the market. But that window slammed shut once job openings popped up in Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Buffalo-suddenly, Cleveland found itself in a crowded field of suitors chasing the league’s top coaching talent.
With several big-name vacancies now filled, the Browns are still searching. And as the days tick by, the list of candidates willing to take the reins in Cleveland has gotten thinner than GM Andrew Berry probably expected. Rising stars like Grant Udinski, Mike McDaniel, Chris Shula, and Jesse Minter have all withdrawn from the process, leaving the Browns to recalibrate their approach.
Let’s take a closer look at where things stand-and why some of the NFL’s most talked-about assistants are passing on the opportunity in Cleveland.
Nate Scheelhaase Emerging as a Serious Contender
The name that’s gaining the most traction right now is Nate Scheelhaase. The 35-year-old Rams passing game specialist is fresh off L.A.’s playoff run and finally free to meet teams in person. The Browns wasted no time flying out to Los Angeles to meet with him face-to-face after already conducting a virtual interview.
According to reports, Scheelhaase has a “good shot” at landing the job-especially if he impresses during his second interview. He’s widely viewed as one of the league’s most promising young minds, and his work in Sean McVay’s offense has clearly caught the Browns’ attention.
What’s interesting here is that Scheelhaase represents a shift in profile from the more seasoned candidates. He doesn’t bring head coaching experience, but what he lacks in that department, he makes up for with innovation, energy, and a fresh offensive perspective-something Cleveland might need after a rocky 2025 campaign.
Grant Udinski Bows Out, Chooses Familiar Ground
One of the more surprising developments was Grant Udinski’s decision to withdraw from the Browns’ search. The Jaguars offensive coordinator had completed two interviews and was considered a strong candidate. But instead of moving forward, he signed a new deal to stay in Jacksonville-while still remaining in play for the Buffalo Bills’ head coaching job.
Udinski’s choice speaks volumes. He’s just 30 years old and hasn’t called plays at the NFL level, but his stock is soaring. After earning praise for his work with Sam Darnold in Minnesota and continuing that momentum in Jacksonville alongside Liam Coen, he’s become one of the league’s most talked-about young offensive minds.
It’s not hard to see why Buffalo-with Josh Allen under center-might be more appealing than Cleveland right now. But for the Browns, watching a top candidate walk away while still eyeing another head coaching job has to sting. It underscores the perception challenge Cleveland faces when competing with franchises that have more stability-or more enticing quarterback situations.
Jim Schwartz Still in the Picture
While the Browns have been focusing on younger, up-and-coming candidates, don’t count out Jim Schwartz just yet. The veteran defensive coordinator remains “very much in the mix,” according to reports, and he brings something no other candidate does: head coaching experience.
Schwartz led the Lions from 2009 to 2013 and was the architect of a strong Browns defense in 2025. His unit was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise frustrating season, and his leadership has clearly made an impression inside the building.
If Cleveland opts for a steady hand rather than a fresh face, Schwartz could be the fallback-or the favorite, depending on how the rest of the interviews shake out.
Mike McDaniel Chooses Chargers Over Cleveland
Another intriguing name that came and went? Mike McDaniel. After interviewing with the Browns, McDaniel withdrew from the process and accepted a job as the Los Angeles Chargers’ new offensive coordinator.
The reasons for his decision haven’t been made public, but it’s clear McDaniel had options. He was reportedly in the mix for other head coaching opportunities as well, which suggests he’s playing the long game-waiting for the right fit rather than jumping at the first offer.
In Los Angeles, he’ll have the chance to work with Justin Herbert and an offense that should be healthier in 2026 with both starting tackles expected back. If McDaniel can help elevate that unit, his name will only get hotter in the next coaching cycle.
Chris Shula Declines Browns’ Interest
Then there’s Chris Shula, who never even made it to the interview stage with Cleveland. The Browns requested to speak with the Rams defensive coordinator, but according to reports, they were told “no thanks.”
Shula did interview with other teams, including the Steelers, but ultimately didn’t land a head coaching gig. Still, his decision to pass on the Browns says something. Whether it’s loyalty to the Rams, a desire to wait for a more appealing opportunity, or just not seeing the right fit in Cleveland, Shula clearly wasn’t interested in making the leap there-at least not this time around.
Where Do the Browns Go From Here?
With several top candidates off the board, the Browns are in a tough spot. The coaching carousel is spinning fast, and Cleveland is still looking for someone willing to take the wheel.
Nate Scheelhaase might be that guy. He’s young, dynamic, and has the offensive background that could help unlock the Browns’ potential-especially if they’re planning to reset at quarterback. But if that doesn’t pan out, Jim Schwartz offers a proven alternative.
Either way, this search has been anything but straightforward. And with the rest of the league locking in their hires, the Browns need to make a move soon-or risk being the last team standing in a coaching market that’s already thinning out.