The Cleveland Browns continue to move through their head coaching search, and on Monday, they checked off another box. The team completed a second interview with Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, signaling that the 35-year-old is firmly in the mix for the job.
Scheelhaase is one of several candidates the Browns have considered as they look to fill the vacancy. Here’s a snapshot of where things stand:
- Interviewed: Ravens OC Todd Monken, Browns DC Jim Schwartz, Commanders run game coordinator Anthony Lynn, Browns OC Tommy Rees
- Withdrawn: Jaguars OC Grant Udinski, former Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel (now with the Chargers), Chargers DC Jesse Minter
- Scheduled or Requested: Bengals OC Dan Pitcher (Scheduled), Seahawks DC Aden Durde (Requested), Rams DC Chris Shula (Requested)
- Previously Scheduled: Nate Scheelhaase (now interviewed)
It’s worth noting that the Bills have also shown interest in Scheelhaase, which only adds to the momentum he’s building as a rising name in coaching circles.
Scheelhaase’s coaching journey has been a steady climb. After a four-year playing career at Illinois (2010-2013), he stayed close to the game, joining the Illini staff in 2015. From there, he moved to Iowa State, where he started as running backs coach in 2018, then shifted to wide receivers coach before earning a promotion to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2023.
He joined Sean McVay’s Rams staff in 2024 and was elevated to pass game coordinator for the 2025 season. That role gave him a front-row seat to one of the NFL’s more creative offensive systems, and it’s clear teams are taking notice.
While Scheelhaase is still searching for his first head coaching opportunity, he’s not the only name generating buzz.
Jesse Minter, who withdrew from Browns consideration, is another coach whose stock has risen sharply. Minter, 42, started his coaching career at Notre Dame back in 2006 and made stops at Cincinnati, Indiana State, and Georgia State before breaking into the NFL with the Ravens in 2017. He worked his way up to defensive backs coach in 2020, then took over as defensive coordinator at Vanderbilt in 2021.
His big break came at Michigan, where he ran the defense before following Jim Harbaugh to the Chargers in 2024. Under Minter’s leadership, the Chargers’ defense ranked fifth in points allowed and ninth in total defense in 2025 - including top-10 marks against both the run (8th) and the pass (5th). That level of balance and discipline on defense is exactly what front offices covet.
As the Browns continue to work through interviews and evaluations, the picture is starting to take shape. Whether they go with a rising offensive mind like Scheelhaase or lean toward a more experienced candidate remains to be seen. What’s clear is that Cleveland is casting a wide net - and they’re not rushing the process.
We’ll keep an eye on developments as the Browns narrow their focus and move closer to naming their next head coach.