The Cleveland Browns have taken the scenic route in their head coaching search, but it looks like the final destination may finally be in sight. After weeks of speculation and some well-earned frustration from fans, the Browns appear to be closing in on a decision - and they’ve done it their way, with a process that’s been deliberate, complex, and, at times, opaque.
Now, the organization is expected to head to California to interview Nate Scheelhaase, the Los Angeles Rams’ passing game coordinator. Scheelhaase, just 35 years old and with only two seasons of NFL coaching experience under his belt, has nonetheless left a strong impression on the Browns’ front office. This upcoming interview would fulfill one of the team’s two required in-person interviews with diverse candidates under the NFL’s Rooney Rule.
That second in-person interview had been a mystery - and the subject of plenty of outside criticism - until Saturday, when it was revealed that the Browns had flown to Florida to meet with Anthony Lynn. The veteran coach, who’s also a candidate for the Bills’ open head coaching job, brings a wealth of experience to the table and represents a serious, credible candidate in this process.
Lynn’s coaching résumé is extensive. He began his NFL career on special teams and worked his way up through the offensive ranks, including stints under legends like Bill Parcells in Dallas and Romeo Crennel in Cleveland back in 2007-08. He later served as the interim head coach and offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills in 2016, then led the Los Angeles Chargers for four seasons - highlighted by a 12-win campaign and a divisional playoff run in 2018.
While Lynn may not be the frontrunner, his inclusion in the process isn’t just for show. He joins Jim Schwartz as one of the only candidates in the Browns’ current mix with previous NFL head coaching experience. But the real intrigue lies with the younger names - Scheelhaase and Grant Udinski - who seem to be the primary contenders as the Browns enter the final stretch of their search.
This hasn’t been a conventional coaching hunt. The Browns have faced criticism for the pace and perceived lack of transparency, particularly surrounding their compliance with the Rooney Rule.
But here’s the thing: they’ve actually done the work. While the rule requires two in-person interviews with diverse candidates, the Browns went above that in their virtual rounds.
And they didn’t rush to fill a quota or satisfy optics - they stuck to a methodical, thoughtful approach.
General manager Andrew Berry and the Browns’ leadership deserve credit for that. With Mike McDaniel unexpectedly withdrawing from the race and Scheelhaase unavailable until after the NFC Championship Game, the team found itself in a tricky spot. But rather than scramble for a quick fix or conduct a perfunctory interview just to meet league requirements, they waited it out - and in doing so, they’ve kept the integrity of the process intact.
Now, the finish line is near. Whether it’s Scheelhaase, Udinski, or a surprise name still to emerge, the Browns are poised to make a hire that reflects the full scope of their search - one that’s been equal parts unconventional and intentional. And while the journey may have tested the patience of fans, it could very well end with a coach who fits exactly what Cleveland needs at this pivotal moment.