The Cleveland Browns’ HC search took an unexpected turn on Monday. Owner Jimmy Haslam was hit by Grant Udinski when the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive coordinator pulled out from the Browns’ HC race.
Now, four candidates are left on the list to replace former HC Kevin Stefanski’s seat. And as time is ticking away, the Browns insiders/analysts are not happy with how their search is narrowing. A veteran Browns insider believes the owner is influencing the search.
Browns’ Haslam Under Fire Over Coaching Search
ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Rizzo opened up a rant on the Browns’ HC search, which he believes is influenced by the franchise owner. “Apparently, there could have been a deal with Nate Scheelhaase yesterday. Somebody said no. Either Scheelhaase said no, or the Browns said no.,” Rizzo started his take.
“I think the owner is running this coaching search, I’ve thought it from the very beginning,” – Rizz on the Browns coaching search. pic.twitter.com/zTc5dehPSp
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) January 27, 2026
“And I want everyone to understand something, and I told you this a month ago. And it’s the man’s prerogative because he owns the team. I think the owner’s running this coaching search…I thought it from the very beginning, and Andrew is doing the legwork. And I was told by sources that there should have been a deal yesterday, and one of the two sides said no. Now, do you want to guess which side said no? It sounds to me like the owner said no.”
The analyst and insider also added, “That’s my opinion. And if someone from the Browns wants to text my phone, you all have my number, and you can enlighten me if I’m wrong. But somehow, they didn’t come out of this seven-hour meeting with the deal.”
He sarcastically added that now everybody is writing about Jim Schwartz as the Browns’ next head coach, and if he gets hired, the franchise will probably say they knew Schwartz was their guy.
A few days ago, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported the Browns were honing in on either Udinski or Nate Scheelhaase. But as Udinski has decided to move on, the momentum is now shifting toward Scheelhaase. He appears to have a clear runway to become the leading choice. But here is a catch…
Browns’ HC Candidate Nate Scheelhaase Could Make Surprise Move
Cleveland’s search has reportedly put Scheelhaase firmly in the spotlight. However, the Los Angeles Rams’ passing game coordinator has gained serious traction this cycle, with league circles viewing him as one of the more intriguing offensive minds tied to recent success in Los Angeles.
But just as the hype around a possible move to the Browns builds, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler flagged a detail that might slow the excitement. Fowler suggested that the situation may not be as straightforward as some fans hope.
“A back-pocket item to consider with HC candidate Nate Scheelhaase: What happens with Rams OC Mike LaFleur. If LaFleur gets a head job (he’s doing an in-person with Arizona), Scheelhaase would likely be a prime candidate to replace him. That’s a potential option if Scheelhaase ends up wanting to wait a cycle,” Fowler said on X. A potential opening in Los Angeles could complicate things for Cleveland. If Mike LaFleur, the OC of the Rams, leaves for Arizona or another job, Scheelhaase would have a real shot to climb the ladder with the Rams.
Cleveland, meanwhile, hasn’t exactly been viewed as a dream landing spot during this cycle.
Multiple coaches have stepped away from the Browns’ search, and that trend says plenty about how the job is being perceived around the league. If Scheelhaase isn’t sold on the roster or long-term setup, he could choose patience over pressure and wait for a cleaner opportunity down the road.
Should that happen, the Browns may be forced to pivot quickly. Per reporter Daniel Oyefusi, the Browns’ remaining finalists include defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, and Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase. He also noted that Cleveland met with the Commanders’ run game coordinator and running backs coach Anthony Lynn over the weekend.
So, if Scheelhaase moved out, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is believed to be firmly in the mix, and a Scheelhaase withdrawal could push him to the front of the line. While fans are eager to see who takes control and shapes the Browns moving forward, the path to that decision still feels anything but hazy heading into February 2026.
