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Cleveland Browns Coaching Carousel Heats Up as Offseason Changes Take Shape
The Cleveland Browns are in the thick of a pivotal offseason, and the shakeups are already underway - both on the sideline and in the front office. With the franchise in search of its next head coach, and key staff members on the move, this is a defining moment for a team looking to build on a rollercoaster 2025 campaign.
Chad O’Shea Heads to Kansas City
After six seasons in Cleveland, wide receivers coach Chad O’Shea is heading to the Kansas City Chiefs. O’Shea brought stability and veteran leadership to the Browns’ receiver room, helping develop young talent while navigating a revolving door at quarterback. His departure leaves a gap in a unit that’s still trying to find its identity - especially if the team plans to retool the offense under a new head coach.
The Head Coach Search: Second Interviews and Strategic Moves
The Browns’ coaching search is entering its second phase, with six candidates reportedly receiving second interviews. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is among them - and he’s not just a familiar face, he’s a legitimate contender. The Browns conducted a second interview with Schwartz on Monday, signaling that the veteran defensive mind is firmly in the mix.
Schwartz brings decades of experience and a clear vision on defense, but the big question is whether Cleveland sees him as the long-term leader for the entire locker room. If Schwartz does land the job, the Browns will need a contingency plan for their defensive coordinator role - and Ephraim Banda, currently on staff, could be a name to watch.
Two candidates have reportedly come off the board, including John Harbaugh, who was hired by the Giants. That narrows the field and could accelerate the Browns’ decision-making process. With the interview slate filling up, Cleveland is inching closer to naming its next head coach - and every move from here on out matters.
Mike McDaniel Watch: Path Clears for Potential Hire
There’s also growing buzz around former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. With another team reportedly dropping out of the race, the door may be opening for Cleveland to make a serious run at McDaniel. Known for his creative offensive schemes and player-friendly approach, McDaniel could be a compelling fit for a Browns team that needs a fresh offensive identity.
Roster Questions Loom - Especially at Quarterback
While the coaching search dominates headlines, the Browns’ roster also needs attention - and fast. Three key areas on offense are in need of upgrades heading into 2026, and quarterback is at the top of that list.
Shedeur Sanders finished the season as the starter, but his future with the team is murky. Reports suggest he could be at risk of losing his roster spot altogether.
That’s a dramatic turn for a player who once looked like a potential long-term answer under center. Whether it’s due to performance, fit, or off-field concerns, the Browns have a major decision to make at the game’s most important position.
A Familiar Name Surfaces: Sean McDermott
With the Buffalo Bills parting ways with head coach Sean McDermott, there’s an interesting wrinkle for Cleveland. There’s some organizational history between McDermott and Browns GM Andrew Berry, and it’s worth watching whether that connection could lead to a conversation - or more.
Some believe this could be an opportunity for owner Jimmy Haslam to correct a past misstep - namely, the ill-fated Hue Jackson era. While it’s unclear how serious the Browns are about McDermott, the timing and familiarity certainly make it a situation to monitor.
What’s Next for the Browns?
The Browns are at a crossroads. The coaching search is nearing its final stages, key staff are on the move, and the roster - especially on offense - needs a reset.
This isn’t just another offseason in Cleveland. It’s a chance to set a new tone for the franchise.
Whether they go with a defensive mind like Schwartz, an offensive innovator like McDaniel, or pivot to a surprise candidate, the decision will shape the Browns’ identity for years to come. And with uncertainty at quarterback and holes to fill across the roster, the margin for error is razor-thin.
The next few weeks will tell us a lot about where this team is headed - and who will be leading the charge.