The Cleveland Browns are deep into their head coaching search, and things haven’t exactly gone according to plan. After parting ways with Kevin Stefanski following the season finale, the franchise has been actively looking for its next leader - but so far, the list of rejections is growing longer than the list of interviews.
Several high-profile names, including former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, have reportedly declined interest in the position. While Stefanski has already landed on his feet elsewhere, the Browns are still trying to find someone willing to take the reins in Cleveland.
Among the remaining top candidates, former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken is said to be a leading option. Monken has long been respected for his offensive mind and ability to scheme around his personnel.
Alongside him, Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase and Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz are also in the mix. Schwartz, of course, brings head coaching experience and an intimate knowledge of the current roster, which could give him a leg up - if the Browns decide to go the internal route.
But amid the usual carousel of NFL coaching names, one unconventional candidate has sparked a wave of conversation: Deion Sanders.
Yes, that Deion Sanders - aka Coach Prime.
The idea of Sanders coaching in the NFL, let alone landing the Browns job, was floated by ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith on First Take. Smith made it clear that he’s rooting for Sanders, even if, by his own admission, the resume doesn’t quite stack up to traditional NFL coaching standards.
“Deion Sanders is my brother. We go back a long ways,” Smith said.
“This is the most accurate and fair way to put it: I hope this happens for him. His resume doesn’t warrant it.”
It’s a bold stance, especially when you look at the numbers. Sanders found major success at Jackson State, going 27-6 and winning back-to-back SWAC titles, including a 12-1 campaign in 2022.
But his time at Colorado has been more of a mixed bag. After inheriting a 1-11 team, Sanders led the Buffaloes to a 4-win season in his first year, then followed it up with a 3-9 mark this past season.
That’s two losing seasons in three years at the FBS level - not exactly the kind of track record that screams “NFL-ready.”
Still, the idea of Sanders making the leap to the pros has ignited plenty of debate. Some fans aren’t buying it, questioning why someone with a limited college résumé should be considered for one of the league’s 32 most coveted jobs. Others are more open to the possibility, especially given the Browns’ apparent struggles to attract top-tier coaching talent.
“If other coaches are turning down the job and cancelling interviews, then why not interview Deion Sanders?” one fan asked.
There’s also a fair argument to be made about context. Sanders inherited a Colorado program in shambles and managed to inject life and relevance into it almost overnight.
Going from one win to four, and then building momentum with a revamped roster, isn’t nothing - especially in a Power Five conference. As one commenter put it: “Took over a 1-11 team.
First year improved that by 3 wins. Second year increased by another 6 wins.
Why do people not tell the context of anything Colorado related?”
Now, let’s be clear - there’s no official indication that the Browns are seriously considering Sanders for the job. But the fact that his name is even being brought up in these conversations shows just how unique this coaching cycle has become.
And if, somehow, the Browns did go all-in on Coach Prime? Well, it’s hard not to imagine Shedeur Sanders - Deion’s son and current quarterback - following his father to Cleveland.
Shedeur, who just wrapped up his rookie season with three wins and a Pro Bowl nod, would be an intriguing piece in that puzzle. A father-son pairing at head coach and quarterback in the NFL?
That would be unprecedented - and undeniably compelling.
For now, though, the Browns’ search continues. Whether they turn to a proven NFL mind like Monken, stick with a trusted voice like Schwartz, or take a wild swing on a name like Sanders, one thing’s clear: Cleveland needs to get this hire right. The franchise has talent, it has momentum, and it has a fan base desperate for sustained success.
The question is, who’s willing - and ready - to lead them there?