The Cleveland Browns are continuing their search for a new head coach following the withdrawal of Mike McDaniel from consideration. The former Miami Dolphins head coach informed the Browns of his decision prior to a scheduled meeting this Wednesday.
Before making this choice, McDaniel was also set to meet with the Los Angeles Chargers regarding their open offensive coordinator position after the team’s recent dismissal of Greg Roman following their 16-3 defeat to the New England Patriots during the AFC wild card round.
While McDaniel has stepped back from the Browns’ coaching search, he still remains in the running for head coaching positions with the Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders. Reports indicate that he has multiple offers for offensive coordinator roles as well.
With McDaniel no longer a candidate, the Browns are progressing in their search for the ideal coach. They have recently conducted second interviews with several candidates, including defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, and Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase.
McDaniel, 42, had a promising yet brief tenure as the offensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers before taking the helm at the Dolphins in 2022. Despite early success that included back-to-back playoff appearances, his teams finished with a combined record of 15-19 over the last two seasons, ultimately leaving him with a regular season record of 35-33 and an 0-2 playoff record during his four years in Miami.
The coaching candidate landscape continues to be competitive, with other notable names like Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula also vying for head coaching roles with the Ravens and Raiders, indicating a dynamic and evolving coaching market ahead.