The Cleveland Browns are deep into phase two of their head coaching search, and the competition is heating up-not just for the Browns, but across the league. With six teams still hunting for head coaches and even more in need of coordinators, the Browns' shortlist of candidates is drawing interest from all corners of the NFL.
Let’s break down where things stand in Cleveland and why this search is suddenly more competitive than it looked just a week ago.
The Five in Play
The Browns have either completed or scheduled second interviews with five candidates:
- Jim Schwartz (Interviewed Monday)
- Todd Monken (Interviewed Tuesday)
- Jesse Minter (Scheduled Thursday)
- Grant Udinski (Scheduled Friday)
- Nate Scheelhaase (Scheduled for next week)
Initially, Cleveland had an edge-being the first team to line up interviews with both Udinski and Scheelhaase. But as other franchises entered the fray, that exclusivity quickly vanished.
Now, all five of these candidates are on multiple radars across the league.
Jim Schwartz: Veteran Eyes One More Shot
Schwartz, who’s already had his second interview with Cleveland, brings a wealth of experience and a no-nonsense defensive pedigree. He’s also spoken with the Ravens about their head coaching vacancy, though there’s no indication he’s a finalist in Baltimore.
Still, Schwartz is the kind of name that carries weight in NFL circles. If the Browns offer, he’d likely be ready to take the reins immediately.
Todd Monken: A Proven Play-Caller With Options
Monken is another seasoned candidate who’s already had his second sit-down with the Browns. If Cleveland doesn’t move forward with him, he’s expected to land as the offensive coordinator for the New York Giants.
That fallback plan speaks to his value-Monken’s offensive mind is in demand. But make no mistake, he wants a head coaching gig.
Like Schwartz, he’d probably jump at the chance if Cleveland made the call.
Jesse Minter: A Rising Star With Momentum
Minter is one of the hottest names in this cycle. He’s either interviewed or received requests from four other teams: the Cardinals, Raiders, Steelers, and Ravens.
That’s a strong signal of league-wide respect for the young defensive coordinator. He’s reportedly a finalist in both Baltimore and Las Vegas, which puts the Browns in a bit of a race.
If Cleveland wants Minter, they’ll need to act quickly-and decisively.
Grant Udinski: A Newcomer With Quarterback Appeal
Udinski might not be a household name yet, but he’s drawing real interest. The Buffalo Bills have requested to interview him for their head coaching vacancy, and with a quarterback like Josh Allen in the building, Buffalo is a tempting destination for any offensive-minded coach. Cleveland got in early, but they’re no longer alone in seeing Udinski’s upside.
Nate Scheelhaase: Impressing the Right People
Scheelhaase is another rising name who’s made an impression around the league. He’s already interviewed with the Ravens, Raiders, and Steelers-and word is he left a strong impression in Pittsburgh.
For a coach still building his résumé, that kind of buzz is significant. Cleveland may have been first to line up a second interview, but they’ll need to fend off serious interest if they want to land him.
The Bottom Line
The Browns are doing their due diligence, and they’ve cast a wide net with a mix of veteran experience and young, ascending talent. But the clock is ticking. Every one of their top candidates now has suitors elsewhere, and some are already finalists in other cities.
Cleveland has a chance to shape its future with this hire-but with the rest of the league circling the same names, they’ll need to move with purpose. Whether they go with the seasoned stability of Schwartz or Monken, or take a swing on a rising star like Minter, Udinski, or Scheelhaase, the decision they make in the coming days could define the franchise for years to come.