The Cleveland Browns’ head coaching search is nearing its final stages, and Saturday brought another key step in the process. The team met with Washington Commanders running backs coach Anthony Lynn in Florida, checking another box on the interview circuit. Now, only one in-person meeting remains - with Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase - to satisfy the Rooney Rule and complete the formalities.
That means the Browns could be closing in on their next head coach after a weeks-long search. While Lynn is reportedly not a frontrunner, the final group appears to include Scheelhaase, Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, and current Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
And here’s the interesting part - regardless of who gets the job, Jim Schwartz looks like he’s staying in Cleveland.
According to reports, all of the remaining candidates have been encouraged to retain Schwartz as defensive coordinator - and all are reportedly open to doing just that. Given what Schwartz has accomplished over the past three seasons, it’s not hard to see why.
Under his leadership, Cleveland’s defense has become one of the most dominant units in the NFL, ranking No. 1 in several key metrics, including total yards allowed. That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed, especially in a league where defensive consistency is hard to come by.
Now, Schwartz is still under contract through the 2026 season, so the Browns have some stability there. But let’s be real - if he’s passed over for the head coaching job, especially in favor of a younger, less experienced candidate, there’s always a chance he could decide to move on.
That said, the team has been vocal about wanting him to stick around, and it’s likely those conversations have already happened behind closed doors. At this point, it feels like both sides are on the same page.
In many ways, Schwartz has become the Browns’ insurance policy - the steady hand who could step in if things don’t go according to plan. If the team doesn’t land Udinski or Scheelhaase, Schwartz remains a viable option to take over. He’s the “break glass in case of emergency” candidate: experienced, respected, and already embedded in the culture of the locker room.
Of course, Schwartz has been a head coach before, and the results were mixed. But since then, he’s rebuilt his reputation as one of the top defensive minds in the league.
Some coaches thrive in coordinator roles, where they can focus on schematics and leadership without the full weight of running an entire operation. That might be where Schwartz is at his best - and the Browns seem to recognize that.
Still, his presence in the building could be a huge asset for whoever takes the reins. For a first-time head coach, having someone like Schwartz on staff offers a built-in mentor - a coach who’s been through the fire, understands the league, and knows what it takes to build a top-tier unit. That kind of experience is invaluable, especially for younger coaches still building their networks and learning the ropes.
So while the Browns’ head coaching decision is still up in the air, one thing seems clear: Jim Schwartz is going to be a central figure in Cleveland’s future, no matter what title he holds.