CLEVELAND, Ohio — The search for a new head coach by the Cleveland Browns continues to evolve, with Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase still in contention despite the team returning from his second interview in Los Angeles without extending an offer. On Monday night, while Scheelhaase was engaged in discussions with the Browns, he also received a virtual interview request from the Buffalo Bills for their head coach vacancy.
Despite not securing a deal during the interview, the Browns intend to thoroughly evaluate Scheelhaase alongside their other finalists, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and offensive coordinator Todd Monken. The team’s focus on Tuesday was to come to a decision as they gathered at their headquarters in Berea.
Additionally, the Browns interviewed Commanders run game coordinator Anthony Lynn over the weekend, although he does not appear to be among the leading candidates for the position. Scheelhaase’s opportunity with the Bills dissipated by Tuesday afternoon as Buffalo opted to sign offensive coordinator Joe Brady to a five-year deal after parting ways with Sean McDermott. Notably, Grant Udinski, the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator and a former candidate for the Browns role, had also previously interviewed with Buffalo but withdrew from Cleveland’s search earlier in the week.
With Brady’s hiring, three of the ten head coaching vacancies across the league remain unfilled, including those of the Browns, Cardinals, and Raiders. Scheelhaase has also interviewed with the Raiders regarding their head coach position.
A key consideration for the Browns is the retention of Schwartz, whether as head coach or defensive coordinator. Both Scheelhaase and Monken have expressed their willingness to keep Schwartz, who is under contract through 2026. However, there are concerns about Schwartz’s future with the franchise should he not be appointed to the head coaching position he aspires to.
Speculations about a potential collaboration between Monken and Schwartz have arisen, with Monken potentially taking on the head coach role and Schwartz continuing as defensive coordinator. If Monken is not selected as head coach, he is anticipated to assume the offensive coordinator position with the New York Giants under former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, which could complicate Schwartz’s situation.
As of Tuesday afternoon, all three candidates remain in the running for the position, and the Browns are progressing towards a decision, which they aim to announce potentially by Wednesday. This ongoing process reflects the competitive nature of the coaching cycle within the NFL, as franchises seek to find the right fit to lead their teams into the next season.