Browns’ Coaching Search Narrows to Four as Pressure Mounts
And then there were four.
With Jesse Minter pulling out of the running, the Cleveland Browns' search for their next head coach just got a little tighter - and a lot more urgent. Minter, the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive coordinator, had been a serious contender before withdrawing from consideration, reportedly unwilling to take the helm of a division rival.
That leaves Cleveland with a quartet of finalists: current Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, and Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase.
But there’s a wrinkle here that could complicate things further. The Browns still need to bring in another external minority or female candidate to comply with the NFL’s Rooney Rule before making a hire. And that procedural step might delay - or even derail - their pursuit of Scheelhaase, a candidate who’s gaining serious traction elsewhere.
Scheelhaase Drawing Interest Beyond Cleveland
Scheelhaase may not be a household name just yet, but he’s been turning heads across the league. At just 35 years old, he’s already made an impression in his early interviews, including one with another AFC North team - the Pittsburgh Steelers - who appear to be doing their own due diligence on the rising coach.
While ownership will ultimately make the call in Pittsburgh, early feedback on Scheelhaase has been overwhelmingly positive. He’s viewed around the league as a sharp offensive mind with a modern approach - something that fits the direction many teams are heading.
The Browns are scheduled to bring him in for an in-person interview after the NFC Championship Game, but even if he blows them away, they can’t make a move until they satisfy the Rooney Rule requirements. That delay could be costly.
Udinski Also in Demand
Grant Udinski, the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator, has also emerged as a serious candidate - not just in Cleveland, but elsewhere. The Buffalo Bills are reportedly keeping tabs on him as well, which means the Browns could find themselves in a bidding war or, worse, on the outside looking in.
Udinski’s stock has been rising steadily, and with multiple teams showing interest, Cleveland’s window to secure him may be closing fast.
Schwartz and Monken: Still in the Mix
Jim Schwartz, the only in-house candidate, remains a viable option - especially if the Browns want to preserve continuity on the defensive side of the ball. He’s a respected veteran with head coaching experience and a Super Bowl ring as a defensive coordinator. But there’s no indication he’s the front-runner.
Todd Monken, meanwhile, doesn’t appear to be generating the same level of buzz. Despite his offensive acumen and past success, he seems to be more of a fallback option at this stage of the process.
Browns Facing a Pivotal Moment
Here’s where things get tricky for Cleveland. With Scheelhaase and Udinski emerging as the clear top targets - and both drawing interest from other teams - the Browns are in a race against time. General manager Andrew Berry and the front office are now walking a tightrope: they need to complete the Rooney Rule requirements without losing their preferred candidates in the process.
It’s a delicate balance, and there’s a real risk that Cleveland could end up settling for a second- or third-choice option if they can’t move quickly enough.
The Rise of Nate Scheelhaase
Scheelhaase’s rapid ascent is no fluke. A former quarterback at Illinois, he’s spent the last two seasons under Sean McVay in Los Angeles, first as an offensive assistant and passing game specialist, then as the Rams’ pass game coordinator. Before that, he served as offensive coordinator at Iowa State in 2023.
Working under McVay has become a fast track to NFL head coaching consideration, and Scheelhaase is the latest name to benefit from that coaching tree. His offensive creativity, leadership qualities, and ability to connect with players have made him a hot commodity - and the Browns know it.
Clock’s Ticking in Cleveland
The Browns have a chance to land a young, innovative coach in Scheelhaase or a rising play-caller in Udinski - but only if they can navigate the final stages of the hiring process without stumbling. With other teams circling and time running short, Cleveland’s front office is under pressure to get this right.
Because in the NFL, the difference between a franchise-changing hire and a missed opportunity can come down to timing - and right now, the Browns are on the clock.