It’s been less than a month since the Cleveland Browns parted ways with Kevin Stefanski, and already their head coaching search has veered into troubled territory. What started as a promising opportunity to reset the franchise’s future has quickly turned into a logistical headache - one that could’ve been avoided with a little more foresight during the virtual interview phase.
The Browns now find themselves in a bind, and it’s largely of their own making.
Where it went wrong
When Mike McDaniel withdrew from consideration on Tuesday, it left the Browns scrambling. They’re now down to four external candidates set for second interviews: Grant Udinski, Jesse Minter, Todd Monken, and Nate Scheelhaase.
Here’s the problem: per the NFL’s hiring policy, teams must conduct at least two in-person interviews with diverse candidates (minority and/or female) from outside their organization before making a hire. Of the names currently on Cleveland’s schedule, only Scheelhaase qualifies under the Rooney Rule - and due to league regulations, he can’t be interviewed again in person until after the NFC Championship Game.
That leaves the Browns with a narrowing window and limited options.
They could circle back to Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde, who interviewed virtually on January 12. But like Scheelhaase, Durde’s availability for a second in-person interview is restricted until next week.
And optics matter here - Durde was initially grouped with Dan Pitcher and Tommy Rees, candidates who weren’t expected to advance. Re-engaging now could come off as a box-checking move rather than a genuine interest in his candidacy.
To avoid that perception - and to stay compliant with league rules - Cleveland will likely need to expand their candidate pool in the coming days. It’s a necessary step, and one they’ll need to handle carefully.
The league doesn’t take kindly to teams treating the Rooney Rule like a formality. Just ask the Jaguars, who caught flak in 2024 for fast-tracking Liam Coen while scrambling to fulfill interview requirements on the back end.
So where do the Browns go from here?
The good news: there are still quality candidates available who not only check the boxes but could also bring real value to Cleveland’s sideline. Here are a few names worth watching.
Brian Flores - Defensive Coordinator, Minnesota Vikings
This one feels like a missed opportunity already. Flores’ contract with the Vikings just expired, and he’s arguably one of the top defensive minds in the league.
His track record speaks for itself - tough, disciplined, and forward-thinking. He’d bring a no-nonsense approach to a Browns locker room that, at times, has lacked consistent accountability.
Flores has already interviewed with the Ravens and Steelers, and that alone should light a fire under Cleveland’s front office. Letting a coach of his caliber land with a division rival would be a tough pill to swallow. If the Browns are serious about building a championship-caliber defense, Flores should be at the top of their list.
Thomas Brown - Passing Game Coordinator, New England Patriots
Brown checks a lot of intriguing boxes. He’s got ties to Sean McVay, experience working with top-tier quarterbacks, and even held interim head coaching duties last season after the Bears parted ways with Matt Eberflus. This season, he’s been instrumental in helping Drake Maye put together an MVP-level campaign in New England under Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels.
And there’s a Cleveland connection, too. Brown played running back for the Browns from 2009 to 2010.
That stint predates both Jimmy Haslam and Andrew Berry, but the familiarity with the city and organization certainly doesn’t hurt. He’s young, innovative, and brings a player’s perspective to the job - exactly the kind of energy this team could use right now.
Ejiro Evero - Defensive Coordinator, Carolina Panthers
Evero’s been one of the hottest names in this cycle, and for good reason. He’s already interviewed twice with the Raiders and once with the Steelers. His résumé includes a Super Bowl ring with the Rams as a defensive assistant, a strong year leading Denver’s defense, and a solid bounce-back in Carolina despite the organizational turmoil.
He’s another rising star with McVay ties, and he’s proven he can adapt and lead in difficult situations. If the Browns want a coach who can elevate their already talented defense and bring a fresh voice to the locker room, Evero deserves a serious look - if it’s not already too late.
Anthony Lynn - Run Game Coordinator, Washington Commanders
Lynn might not be generating the same buzz as some of the younger candidates, but don’t let that fool you. He’s got one of the most well-rounded résumés in the field. A two-time Super Bowl champion as a player under Mike Shanahan, Lynn’s coaching journey has taken him through special teams, offensive coordinator roles, and a four-year stint as head coach of the Chargers.
His 2018 squad won 12 games and made a divisional playoff run - no small feat in a stacked AFC. More recently, he’s served as a stabilizing force in Washington’s run game and is now set to interview for the Bills’ head coaching job.
With deep ties to Cleveland from his days under Romeo Crennel, Lynn could be open to a return. He brings leadership, balance, and a steady hand - qualities the Browns could use amid all this uncertainty.
The Bottom Line
The Browns’ head coaching search hasn’t gone according to plan - not even close. But the opportunity to course-correct is still very much alive. There are viable candidates on the board who can meet both the league’s requirements and the team’s long-term needs.
What Cleveland does in the coming days will be telling. Will they pivot with purpose and land a coach who can elevate the franchise? Or will they let this process spiral further into disarray?
The clock is ticking. And in a division where every edge matters, the Browns can’t afford to fumble this one.