The Cleveland Browns are still deep in the weeds of their head coaching search, and while the process isn’t wrapped up just yet, that’s by design-not dysfunction.
Let’s get this straight: the Browns haven’t completed their Rooney Rule requirements, and their final second-interview candidate isn’t even eligible for an in-person meeting until Monday at the earliest. That might sound like a delay, but it’s not a red flag. It’s just part of a deliberate, structured approach.
Now, sure-there’s been some movement. Mike McDaniel pulled his name from consideration in Cleveland’s search, opting instead to take the offensive coordinator role with the Los Angeles Rams.
He’s since accepted an interview with the Buffalo Bills, and let’s be honest-when quarterbacks are involved, that tends to be a major factor in a coach’s decision-making process. Jesse Minter also exited the Browns’ radar, but not because of any internal issues-he was hired as the new head coach of the Baltimore Ravens on the same day he bowed out.
So, no, these departures aren’t signs that Cleveland’s search is going off the rails. In fact, the Browns are running one of the most unique and comprehensive coaching searches in the league.
According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Cleveland’s process is unlike anything else out there. We’re talking essays, personality assessments, cognitive testing-the whole nine yards.
This isn’t just a sit-down-and-chat type of interview. The Browns are digging deep into who these candidates are, how they think, and how they lead.
It’s all part of a system that’s been in place since Paul DePodesta came on board. And while it might raise some eyebrows around the league-or provoke the usual “the Browns are the Browns” quips-the truth is, none of that matters if the process leads to the right hire.
This is the same approach that helped land Kevin Stefanski, who brought home Coach of the Year honors and led the team to its first playoff win in decades. Sean McDermott reportedly thrived in a similar evaluation structure. So while it might seem unconventional, there’s a track record here.
Bottom line: Cleveland isn’t panicking. They’re being patient, methodical, and thorough. And if they find the right leader to take this talented roster to the next level, nobody will be talking about personality tests or interview delays-they’ll be talking about wins.