The race for the Cleveland Browns’ head coaching job appears to be narrowing to a three-man competition, with familiarity potentially tipping the scales.
The Browns interviewed Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase on Monday. At 35 years old, Scheelhaase is viewed as a rising offensive mind who could help transform a struggling unit, though he is also emerging as a candidate for the Buffalo Bills’ opening.
In Cleveland, however, continuity may prevail. Incumbent defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is “gaining momentum” to land the job, according to Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot.
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The Browns’ search has thinned over the past week, with several candidates withdrawing from consideration. Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski bowed out Monday morning, effectively narrowing the field to three finalists who have each interviewed with the team twice: Scheelhaase, Schwartz, and outgoing Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
Udinski joined Mike McDaniel and Jesse Minter in removing themselves from the Browns’ coaching search, further clearing the path for the remaining candidates.
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From the moment Kevin Stefanski was fired, Schwartz — a longtime defensive coach — was viewed as an obvious internal option for promotion. His defenses have consistently been Cleveland’s strongest unit during his three seasons as coordinator, including a 2023 campaign that earned him AP Assistant Coach of the Year honors.
Schwartz also brings championship pedigree and prior head coaching experience. He coordinated the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense during their Super Bowl LII victory and previously served as head coach of the Detroit Lions from 2009 to 2013. While his tenure in Detroit included just one winning season and an overall record of 29–52, Schwartz’s recent success as a coordinator has reestablished him as a serious candidate to lead the Browns into their next chapter.
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