The Cleveland Browns are deep in the thick of a transformative offseason, and all eyes are on Berea as the franchise navigates a pivotal head coaching search. With multiple candidates already interviewed and second rounds underway, the Browns are inching closer to making what could be a defining hire for the next phase of their development.
Who’s Rising in the Browns Coaching Search?
Two names have emerged as frontrunners after what sources are calling “excellent” first interviews: Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and Los Angeles Rams pass-game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase. Both are now set for second interviews, and the buzz around the league suggests these aren’t just courtesy callbacks - these are legitimate contenders to take the reins in Cleveland.
Udinski, in particular, has generated serious momentum. The 36-year-old is being talked about as a potential favorite, and his offensive pedigree - especially his work developing young quarterbacks - is exactly the kind of profile that fits Cleveland’s current needs. Scheelhaase, meanwhile, brings a creative offensive mind forged in Sean McVay’s system, a background that has become a hotbed for future head coaches.
With three candidates reportedly off the board and just a few second interviews left on the docket, the Browns’ decision window is narrowing. The front office is clearly doing its due diligence, but the clock is ticking with other franchises also circling the same pool of candidates.
A Staff in Transition
While the head coaching search grabs headlines, there’s been plenty of movement behind the scenes. Most notably, Tommy Rees - who spent the last two seasons with the Browns - is heading to Atlanta to reunite with Kevin Stefanski. That’s a significant departure, and it underscores the urgency for Cleveland to not only find a head coach but also begin assembling a new offensive staff.
Adding to that, the Browns are now in the market for a new offensive coordinator, regardless of who takes over as head coach. It’s a tall order, but also an opportunity to reset and retool a staff that can maximize the talent already on the roster.
Joe Thomas vs. Baker Mayfield: A Browns Alumni Dust-Up
Off the field, drama is brewing between two prominent Browns figures - Hall of Famer Joe Thomas and former quarterback Baker Mayfield. After Mayfield made pointed comments about Kevin Stefanski, Thomas didn’t hold back in pushing back against the narrative. It’s a reminder that even as the Browns look to the future, the echoes of their recent past still carry weight.
The tension between Mayfield and the organization has never fully disappeared, and Thomas stepping in to defend Stefanski speaks volumes about how the locker room and alumni network view the former head coach’s tenure. It’s a storyline worth watching, especially as the team charts a new course.
Myles Garrett Makes History
While the coaching carousel spins, one constant remains: Myles Garrett’s dominance. The star edge rusher was just named the PFWA’s 2025 Defensive Player of the Year after a record-breaking season in which he racked up 23 sacks - the most ever in a single NFL season.
Garrett’s historic campaign wasn’t just about the numbers. He was the engine behind a Browns defense that kept them in games all year long, even as the offense struggled with injuries and inconsistency. His recognition is well-deserved and cements his place as one of the most feared defenders in the game today.
Looking Ahead: Draft Buzz and Offensive Firepower
As the Browns prepare for the draft, there’s chatter about adding more explosiveness to the offense - particularly to complement quarterback Shedeur Sanders. One prominent draft analyst has linked Cleveland to an “electric” playmaker who could provide the kind of dynamic threat this offense has been missing.
It’s no secret the Browns need more firepower, and with a new coaching staff on the horizon, this could be the perfect time to reshape the offensive identity. Whether through free agency or the draft, expect Cleveland to be aggressive in targeting weapons who can stretch the field and open things up for Sanders and company.
Final Thoughts
The Browns are at a crossroads. A new head coach is coming.
The staff is in flux. And the team’s most iconic alumni are weighing in on the direction of the franchise.
But amid the uncertainty, there’s also a sense of opportunity - a chance to reset, reload, and finally build the kind of sustained success that’s eluded Cleveland for decades.
With second interviews underway and top candidates still in play, the next few days could define the Browns’ future. And if they get this hire right, they might just be setting the stage for something special.