The Cleveland Browns are moving full steam ahead in their search for a new head coach, transitioning from the first wave of interviews into second-round, in-person meetings this week. After a flurry of activity over the weekend, the picture is starting to take shape - and it’s clear the Browns are casting a wide, strategic net.
Let’s start with what we know. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, currently under contract with the Browns, is getting a second interview.
That’s a significant development. Schwartz is a seasoned NFL mind, and his leadership helped elevate Cleveland’s defense into one of the most dominant units in the league this past season.
The fact that he’s getting another look suggests the Browns are seriously considering staying in-house, at least philosophically, when it comes to their next head coach.
But Schwartz isn’t the only one in the mix. Five other candidates have either already secured or are in the process of scheduling second interviews:
- Todd Monken (Ravens Offensive Coordinator) Monken’s offensive creativity helped Lamar Jackson and the Ravens secure the AFC’s top seed. His second interview indicates the Browns are intrigued by what he could bring to their own offensive operation.
- Mike McDaniel (Former Dolphins Head Coach) Known for his innovative run schemes and ability to maximize talent, McDaniel is an intriguing option. He’s already interviewed and is now lined up for a second meeting.
- Jesse Minter (Chargers Defensive Coordinator) Minter’s defensive acumen has earned him a return trip to Cleveland as well. If the Browns are looking for a continuity of defensive excellence while still bringing in a fresh voice, he’s a name to watch.
- Grant Udinski (Jaguars Offensive Coordinator) Udinski’s rise in Jacksonville has been impressive, and his offensive background could be a good fit for a team looking to unlock more from its quarterback and skill positions.
- Nate Scheelhaase (Rams Pass Game Coordinator) Scheelhaase is another offensive mind drawing interest.
However, with the Rams advancing to the NFC Championship Game, Cleveland can’t conduct his second interview until at least Monday, January 26. That timeline also aligns with Rooney Rule compliance, which requires teams to interview at least two external minority candidates for head coaching jobs.
Now, here’s where things get a little more layered. While Schwartz is a known commodity in Cleveland, there’s no guarantee he’ll remain with the team if he doesn’t land the head coaching job.
That’s especially true if someone like Jesse Minter - another defensive coach - is hired. In that scenario, Schwartz could be more inclined to move on rather than stay on staff under a peer.
On the flip side, if one of the offensive-minded candidates takes the reins, retaining Schwartz could be a major asset. His presence would provide valuable balance and experience, especially for a younger head coach still finding his footing. But there’s also the reality that Schwartz may only have one year left on his contract, and a new head coach might prefer to build his own staff from the ground up rather than navigate any potential friction with a holdover coordinator.
If Schwartz does depart, the Browns may already have a contingency plan in place. According to reporting, safeties coach Ephraim Banda is a name to watch for the defensive coordinator role. Banda has already drawn interest from other teams this offseason - including interviews for DC jobs in Dallas and New York (Jets) - and brings prior coordinator experience from his time at Miami (FL) and Utah State.
At 44 years old, Banda represents the kind of up-and-coming coaching talent that could inject energy and new ideas into the Browns' staff. Pairing him with a young, offensive-minded head coach would certainly signal a shift toward innovation. But it would also leave the Browns with a relatively inexperienced leadership group at the top - a risk that could either pay off big or require a steep learning curve.
Bottom line: the Browns are working through a thorough, multi-faceted coaching search, and they’re not rushing it. They’re weighing experience versus innovation, internal stability versus fresh ideas.
And as the second interviews roll in, we’ll start to get a clearer sense of which direction they’re leaning. For now, the chessboard is set - and the next few days could be pivotal in shaping the Browns’ future.