The Cleveland Browns’ head coaching search is heating up, with Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase returning for a second interview. This move signals a strong interest from the Browns in the 35-year-old rising offensive mind, who represents a significant shift from the previous regime.
The Browns have officially elevated their interest in Nate Scheelhaase, bringing him back for a second interview on Monday, just one day after the Rams’ NFC championship loss. This is not a routine follow-up; a second interview is a clear sign that Scheelhaase is a serious contender for the job. His first interview took place on January 16, and this latest meeting in Los Angeles underscores the Browns’ desire to explore his potential to lead their franchise out of its recent funk.
Scheelhaase, 35, is a product of the Sean McVay coaching tree, one of the most respected and innovative in the NFL. He is currently in his second year with the Rams, serving as their passing game coordinator. His rapid ascent is noteworthy, as he was an offensive assistant and pass game specialist in 2024 before being promoted to his current role this season. This promotion came after a successful six-year run at Iowa State (2018-23), where he served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the final two years. His experience developing quarterbacks and designing passing schemes is precisely what the Browns’ struggling offense may need.
The Browns’ search for a new head coach began on January 5 when they fired Kevin Stefanski after six seasons and a 46-58 record. The timing of this move is crucial. While Stefanski was quickly hired as Atlanta’s head coach, the Browns’ decision to fire him came after a 5-12 season and an 8-26 mark over the past two years. This poor performance has left the franchise at a crossroads, and the new hire will be tasked with turning around a team that has been one of the NFL’s most consistently underperforming franchises since the Haslam family took over in 2012. The six coaches hired by owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam in that span have a combined 73-139-1 regular-season record, the second-worst mark in the league.
Scheelhaase is not the only candidate the Browns are vetting closely. The search has also included second interviews for defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, former Baltimore offensive coordinator Todd Monken, and Jacksonville offensive coordinator Grant Udinski. However, the situation has already seen some movement, as Udinski has pulled out of consideration, and Monken is widely expected to become the New York Giants’ offensive coordinator. This leaves the field open for a candidate like Scheelhaase to emerge as a leading figure. The Browns’ interview schedule also includes Las Vegas and Pittsburgh, and Scheelhaase was even scheduled to meet with the Buffalo Bills on Monday night, indicating that his stock is rising across the league.
For the Browns, the choice of a new head coach will define the next chapter of the franchise. A defensive-minded hire like Schwartz would represent a return to a more traditional, physical style of football. In contrast, a hire like Scheelhaase would signal a commitment to a modern, offensive identity, potentially centered around the development of their young quarterback, Deshaun Watson. Watson’s future in Cleveland is uncertain, and a new offensive-minded coach could be seen as a vote of confidence, tasked with unlocking his potential and building a system around his strengths. Scheelhaase’s background suggests he is ready for that challenge, bringing fresh ideas and a forward-thinking approach to a team in desperate for a new direction.
The Browns’ decision-makers, led by general manager Andrew Berry and the Haslam ownership group, understand the gravity of this hire. It’s not just about finding a coach; it’s about changing the culture and winning consistently for the first time in over a decade. Nate Scheelhaase’s second interview is a clear sign that he is part of that vision. Whether he can parlay this momentum into a job offer remains to be seen, but for now, he has firmly established himself as a key player in Cleveland’s most important coaching search in years.
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