The Pittsburgh Steelers have made their move - and it wasn’t the one many expected. While Nate Scheelhaase had emerged as a hot name in their head coaching search, Pittsburgh pivoted and locked in a verbal agreement with veteran coach Mike McCarthy on Saturday. That decision leaves Scheelhaase, the Los Angeles Rams’ passing game coordinator, still in play - and now firmly on the Cleveland Browns’ radar.
Scheelhaase, 35, has been gaining steam in coaching circles, and there’s a reason why. He’s in his second stint under Sean McVay with the Rams, and his name was the first the Steelers requested to interview when their coaching search began.
That early interest wasn’t just for show - according to reports, Scheelhaase left a strong impression during his virtual interview with Pittsburgh. One team insider even noted that Scheelhaase gave off “Mike Tomlin vibes,” a nod to the kind of presence and leadership he exuded during the process.
But while the Steelers opted for experience in McCarthy - a two-time Super Bowl coach with the Packers and Cowboys - the Browns appear to be leaning into potential. According to reports, Scheelhaase is a top candidate for Cleveland’s head coaching vacancy and is expected to interview with the team next week.
One interesting wrinkle? If hired, he’s likely to retain Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator, a move that would provide continuity on the defensive side while giving Scheelhaase the reins to reshape the offense.
This wouldn’t be the first time a McVay protégé has stepped into a head coaching role. Scheelhaase could soon join a growing list that includes Zac Taylor, Matt LaFleur, Kevin O’Connell, and Liam Coen - all of whom have gone on to lead their own teams after working under McVay. That coaching tree is becoming one of the most influential in the league, and Scheelhaase looks like the next branch ready to bloom.
Cleveland’s coaching decision could have ripple effects across the AFC North. With the Steelers going the seasoned route and the Ravens and Bengals already established at the top, the Browns may be looking for a fresh voice to push them forward.
Scheelhaase checks a lot of boxes - innovative, respected, and on the rise. Whether he lands the job remains to be seen, but he’s clearly in the conversation.
For now, the Browns are taking their time. But if the buzz around Scheelhaase continues to grow, they may not want to wait too long.