The Cleveland Browns have been deliberate in their search for a new offensive coordinator, and while patience can be a virtue, the clock is starting to tick a little louder. With six NFL coordinator vacancies already filled and some candidates reportedly backing out of Cleveland’s process, the Browns’ pool of options is beginning to shrink. But there’s been a sense all along that they’ve had their eyes on one guy: Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase.
Scheelhaase has been viewed as a top target from the start, and Cleveland’s approach suggests they’ve been willing to wait for him. On Monday, they made a strong move-flying out to Los Angeles for a second in-person interview.
According to reports, that meeting began early in the afternoon and stretched well into the evening, signaling serious mutual interest. The Browns clearly aren’t just kicking the tires-they’re trying to close the deal.
But now, there’s a new wrinkle: the Buffalo Bills have entered the picture.
Buffalo has reportedly requested to interview Scheelhaase as well, and that could complicate things for Cleveland. The Bills aren’t your typical team in the market for a new offensive coordinator.
They’re coming off a 12-5 season, were an overtime loss away from the AFC Championship, and have a loaded offense led by Josh Allen and James Cook. For a young, offensive-minded coach like Scheelhaase, that’s an attractive setup-one that could be tough to turn down.
So while Cleveland has the edge for now-they’ve already had Scheelhaase in the building for an extended second interview-the Bills could still crash the party. If Buffalo gets their shot and makes a strong impression, Scheelhaase could be faced with a choice between two very different opportunities.
For the Browns, that’s a risk they’re clearly aware of. Their extended sit-down with Scheelhaase on Monday wasn’t just about digging deeper into his offensive philosophy-it was about making their pitch, showing him why Cleveland is the right fit, and ideally, locking him in before Buffalo gets a chance to make theirs.
If Scheelhaase does end up choosing Buffalo, Cleveland would likely pivot to a familiar face: defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Schwartz is a respected veteran with head coaching experience and a strong defensive pedigree, but hiring him would represent a significant shift from the offensive-minded direction the Browns seem to be pursuing.
Bottom line: Cleveland has made its move, and now it’s a waiting game. They’ve spent the day with their top candidate, and they’ve done everything they can to secure him. But with Buffalo looming, the Browns are hoping they weren’t just early-they were early enough.