The Cleveland Browns continue to cast a wide net in their search for a new head coach, and the next phase is taking shape. According to reports, the team has requested second, in-person interviews with Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase and Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter-two intriguing candidates with very different paths through the coaching ranks.
That brings the Browns’ second interview list to seven names, a mix of offensive and defensive minds, veterans and rising stars. Here's where things stand:
- Packers DC Jeff Hafley (Requested)
- Ravens OC Todd Monken (Scheduled)
- Browns DC Jim Schwartz (Scheduled)
- Jaguars OC Grant Udinski (Scheduled)
- Former Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel (Scheduled)
- Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase (Scheduled)
- Chargers DC Jesse Minter (Scheduled)
Let’s take a closer look at the two newest names to join the second interview slate.
Nate Scheelhaase: A Fast-Rising Offensive Mind
At just 35 years old, Nate Scheelhaase has been on a steady climb through the coaching ranks. A former quarterback at Illinois from 2010 to 2013, he returned to his alma mater in 2015 to begin his coaching career. From there, he made a name for himself at Iowa State, where he took on multiple offensive roles-first as running backs coach, then wide receivers coach, and eventually offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach by 2023.
In 2024, Scheelhaase made the jump to the NFL, joining the Rams. By 2025, he’d already been promoted to pass game coordinator, a testament to how quickly he’s earned trust and respect at the professional level.
Scheelhaase brings a modern offensive approach, shaped by both his college roots and his time under Sean McVay in Los Angeles. While he’s relatively new to the NFL, his reputation as a sharp communicator and innovative thinker has clearly caught the Browns’ attention.
Jesse Minter: A Proven Defensive Architect
Jesse Minter, 42, has taken a more traditional route, building his résumé across both college and NFL sidelines. He started as a defensive intern at Notre Dame in 2006 and worked his way through stops at Cincinnati, Indiana State, and Georgia State before landing with the Baltimore Ravens in 2017.
By 2020, Minter had worked his way up to the Ravens’ defensive backs coach-a role that gave him a front-row seat to one of the league’s most consistently strong defenses. After a one-year stint as defensive coordinator at Vanderbilt in 2021, he took over the same role at Michigan, where he helped the Wolverines become one of the top defensive units in the country.
When Jim Harbaugh made the leap back to the NFL in 2024 with the Chargers, Minter followed as his defensive coordinator. The results?
Impressive. In 2025, the Chargers defense ranked fifth in points allowed and ninth in total defense, including top-10 marks against both the run and the pass.
That kind of balance and production speaks volumes about Minter’s ability to scheme, adjust, and get the most out of his personnel.
What This Means for the Browns
Cleveland’s list of candidates is shaping up to be one of the most diverse in the league this hiring cycle. From veteran coordinators like Jim Schwartz and Todd Monken to offensive innovators like Mike McDaniel and up-and-comers like Scheelhaase, the Browns are clearly keeping all options on the table.
The inclusion of Minter and Scheelhaase underscores that approach. Minter brings a proven defensive pedigree and familiarity with NFL systems, while Scheelhaase represents the kind of youthful offensive energy that’s increasingly in demand across the league.
The Browns aren’t rushing this process-and given the stakes, that’s the right call. With a roster built to compete now and a front office that’s shown a willingness to think creatively, the next head coach needs to be more than just a good fit on paper. They need to connect with the locker room, elevate the quarterback play, and bring a clear identity to the field.
We’ll keep tracking developments as the Browns continue their search, but for now, one thing is clear: Cleveland is doing its homework.