Browns Coaching Search Hits Crunch Time as Nate Scheelhaase Must Wait
The Cleveland Browns’ head coaching search is moving into a pivotal stretch - and it’s doing so at a deliberate pace.
After a wild weekend that included the Los Angeles Rams surviving the frigid Chicago air to punch their ticket to the NFC Championship Game, the Browns’ hunt for their next head coach is entering a new phase. That Rams win, while significant for L.A., also had ripple effects in Northeast Ohio, where one of Cleveland’s top candidates - Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase - now won’t be available for an in-person interview until at least Jan. 25.
That delay could prove critical.
Cleveland is set to begin a round of in-person interviews starting Monday, kicking things off with their own defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. The list of confirmed interviews this week also includes Mike McDaniel, Todd Monken, Jesse Minter, and Grant Udinski. It’s a group that spans a wide range of experience and offensive philosophies, and the Browns appear committed to doing their due diligence.
But don’t be surprised if this search stretches beyond the conference championship weekend.
Scheelhaase, just 35 years old, spoke with the Browns virtually last Friday. He’s one of the more intriguing names in this cycle - a rising star under Sean McVay’s tutelage, but still untested as an NFL offensive coordinator or play caller.
The Rams’ deep playoff run has bought him more time in the spotlight, but it may have also cost him a real shot at this job. His in-person interview, should it happen, would likely be the final one Cleveland conducts - and by then, the momentum may have already shifted elsewhere.
Internally, Schwartz and Udinski are believed to be among the frontrunners. Both have the benefit of familiarity and face time, and that matters in a process where timing is everything.
There’s also the Rooney Rule to consider. The Browns haven’t yet fulfilled their requirement of interviewing at least two minority candidates in person.
Scheelhaase and Seahawks defensive coordinator Arden Durde would meet that threshold, but both are tied up with playoff obligations and can’t sit down with the team until after the NFC title game. Mike McDaniel, whose father is Black, also qualifies under the rule and is scheduled for an interview this week.
Until the Rooney Rule requirement is met, the Browns can’t officially make a hire. That’s part of what’s slowing things down - and why this search may not wrap up until closer to Super Bowl week.
Could Cleveland expand their candidate pool to get things moving? Sure.
But at this stage, that seems unlikely. The team appears set on seeing the current process through, which includes waiting on Scheelhaase if they’re serious about him.
Still, the delay may be costly. With Scheelhaase potentially the last to interview, he’s playing from behind in a competitive field.
It’s not that he lacks upside - far from it. His offensive acumen and McVay pedigree make him a name to watch, whether it’s in Cleveland or elsewhere.
But he may be a year or two away from being a true contender for a head coaching gig.
If the Browns don’t hand him the keys to the top job, keep an eye on their offensive coordinator spot. With Tommy Rees expected to join Kevin Stefanski’s staff in Atlanta, that role could be a logical next step for Scheelhaase - a chance to call plays, build a résumé, and position himself for a future head coaching opportunity.
For now, though, Cleveland’s coaching search continues - slowly, methodically, and with no clear end in sight. Seven other teams are still in the market for head coaches, and the Browns are taking their time. Whether that patience pays off or costs them their top target remains to be seen.