The Cleveland Browns' head coaching search just got a whole lot more complicated. Imagine finding your dream job, only to have the door slammed shut before you even get a chance to prove yourself! That's essentially what happened to Browns' candidate Nate Scheelhaase, at least in one potential scenario. With Mike McCarthy now snagging the Pittsburgh Steelers' head coaching gig, Scheelhaase has one less avenue to explore. Let's break down what this means for the Browns and their ongoing search.
As it stands, the Browns are currently the only team in the AFC North without a settled head coach. You could argue this puts them at a disadvantage as other teams are already preparing for the upcoming season with their new leadership. However, reports suggest they are nearing a decision.
Scheelhaase, the 35-year-old Rams pass-game coordinator, was initially on the Steelers' radar as a potential replacement for their veteran head coach, Mike Tomlin, who stepped down after nearly two decades. It's interesting to note the Steelers ultimately opted for a vastly different profile: the experienced 62-year-old Mike McCarthy, a Super Bowl-winning coach with 18 years of head coaching under his belt. This decision highlights the contrasting philosophies teams sometimes embrace when seeking new leadership. Some prioritize experience and a proven track record, while others favor potential and fresh perspectives. But here's where it gets controversial... Was this a smart move for the Steelers, or should they have taken a chance on a younger, potentially innovative coach like Scheelhaase?
Now, let's be clear: Scheelhaase hasn't yet called plays at the NFL level or held a coordinator position in the pros. However, he operates within Sean McVay's innovative Rams system, a breeding ground for head coaching talent. Zac Taylor (Bengals) and Liam Coen (Jaguars) are just two examples of coaches who've successfully transitioned from the McVay tree to head coaching roles.
A key aspect of Scheelhaase's appeal is his background as a dual-threat quarterback at Illinois. This experience provides him with a unique understanding of the quarterback position, vital for the Browns as they aim to develop either Shedeur Sanders or another young quarterback. Further, if Deshaun Watson remains the Browns' starter in 2026, Scheelhaase's knowledge of dual-threat quarterbacks could be invaluable. Some might argue that his lack of direct play-calling experience is a significant drawback, while others see his potential and fresh perspective as a major asset. And this is the part most people miss... Could his lack of experience actually be an advantage, allowing him to bring a truly innovative approach to the Browns' offense?
Scheelhaase is one of four candidates the Browns are interviewing for a second time, alongside defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, and Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski. The Browns are reportedly prepared to travel to Los Angeles for Scheelhaase's second interview, which will also fulfill one of the team's two Rooney Rule obligations.
Adding another layer of complexity, Scheelhaase might be on his way to the Super Bowl with the Rams. If the Browns decide he's their guy, they'll have to wait until after the Super Bowl (February 8th) to finalize the hire.
Before McCarthy's move to Pittsburgh, Scheelhaase also had virtual interviews with the Raiders and Ravens. However, the Ravens hired Chargers defensive coordinator Jess Minter, and Mike McDaniel (Chargers) withdrew from consideration for the Browns' offensive coordinator position. McDaniel also initially agreed to interview for the Bills head coach position, but later cancelled or postponed it.
For Scheelhaase, this leaves the Browns and Raiders as potential options. The Browns reportedly favor hiring a young, innovative candidate like Scheelhaase or Udinski and pairing them with the experienced Jim Schwartz, who the Browns would like to retain as defensive coordinator even if he doesn't get the head coaching job. Several Browns defenders, including Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, and Grant Delpit, have voiced strong support for Schwartz as the next head coach.
However, the Browns might lean towards an offensive-minded head coach to revitalize their struggling offense, which ranked near the bottom of the league in several key categories last season. Monken's success with Lamar Jackson in Baltimore is certainly appealing. However, Scheelhaase and Udinski, both hailing from the McVay coaching tree, offer the promise of a dynamic and explosive offense.
The Browns must also fulfill the Rooney Rule by interviewing a second diverse candidate. This might have already occurred without public knowledge, possibly involving a college coach to avoid disrupting transfer portal or NIL situations.
If the Browns are Rooney Rule compliant by Monday, they could potentially hire Scheelhaase that day, assuming the Rams are eliminated from the playoffs. However, they also highly value Udinski, who, at 30 years old, could become the youngest head coach in NFL history. Udinski, like Scheelhaase, hasn't called plays in the NFL but possesses a brilliant offensive mind. The Browns might also consider hiring Monken as their offensive coordinator under one of the younger head coaches.
Ultimately, the Browns could have their 19th head coach in place as early as next week. Considering all the factors at play, who do you think the Browns should hire? Should they go with the experience of Schwartz or Monken, or take a chance on the potential of Scheelhaase or Udinski? And how much weight should they give to the opinions of players like Myles Garrett? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
