Becoming the next coach of the Cleveland Browns requires doing more than just interviewing well.
Cleveland has been searching for its next head coach for weeks, casting a wide net that includes both internal and external candidates. Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, Los Angeles Rams pass-game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and current defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz are among the finalists.
But landing the job isn’t simply about winning a room — it’s about passing the Browns’ process.
NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero detailed just how extensive Cleveland’s search has become, describing it as one of the most demanding evaluations in the league.
“The Browns’ search process is unlike any other in the NFL, and it plays to certain types of candidates,” Pelissero said on The Rich Eisen Show. “They are a data-driven operation in Cleveland. They spend an extraordinary amount of time gathering data on their coaching candidates. You’re talking about taking a personality test, about writing an essay. You’re talking about completing homework assignments between the first and second rounds of interviews.
“It plays toward the types of candidates that they have in the mix, which is very smart people. Questionnaires, a multi-part essay, and a personality test — and additional homework assignments if you get through the first round and into the second round.”
The Browns have drawn criticism from fans who believe the process is overly rigid and excessive.
“The worst coaching job available with the hardest interview process and they want to push the DC hire on you. And we’re all surprised top candidates aren’t interested? This should shock no one,” one fan said.
“So we’re one of the worst franchises in recent memory, and our process is different than anyone else. Hasn’t worked yet at all,” another added. “How hard is it to mimic an actual good team?”
“Fire everyone and get some actual football people back in that building for the love of God!” a fan commented.
Browns Bailed on by Two Finalists for Other Jobs
The Browns have already had two of their finalists drop out. Former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel was the first to withdraw from the process. McDaniel is expected to take the Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator job, but he’s also in the mix for the Buffalo Bills head coaching gig.
Earlier in the week, former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter pulled out of his second interview. Shortly after, he was named the next head coach of the Baltimore Ravens.
In addition, the Browns still haven’t satisfied the NFL’s Rooney Rule requirement for their head coaching search — a situation that became more complicated after McDaniel withdrew from consideration. It’s led some to question the Browns’ tactics.
“That’s why this sort of feels a little bit chaotic and a little bit like, what exactly are they doing here?” Dan Labbe of cleveland.com said. “It still feels like it’s sort of on that cliff there, just a little bit where one other guy dropping out, one other guy saying, ‘I don’t want to interview’ could turn this into an absolute mess.”
Grant Udinski Favorite to Land Browns’ Job
Udinski has emerged as the betting favorite to become the Browns’ next head coach, according to Kalshi, which gives him a 55% chance to land the job. Schwartz (21%) and Scheelhaase (21%) are next on the board.
The Browns aren’t viewed as the most attractive opening on the market. Former head coach Kevin Stefanski was fired after the team won just eight games over the last two seasons, despite having two NFL Coach of the Year trophies on his resume. Stefanski didn’t stay unemployed for long, quickly landing on his feet as the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
Cleveland may now be hoping to land the next “breakthrough” hire before he becomes a mainstream candidate. Udinski fits that mold at just 30 years old. But his age is a cause of concern for a team that needs strong leadership to turn things around.
