Browns Coaching Race Heats Up: Scheelhaase & Udinski Frontrunners

The Cleveland Browns are accelerating their search for a new head coach, with Nathan Scheelhaase, the Los Angeles Rams' passing game coordinator, and Grant Udinski, the Jacksonville Jaguars' offensive coordinator, at the forefront. Scheelhaase is slated for an in-person interview on Monday, marking the Browns' first such meeting with a minority candidate in this process. Udinski, a rapidly ascending coaching prospect at just 30 years old, also recently interviewed with the team and has an upcoming interview with the Buffalo Bills.

The path for the Browns to potentially hire Scheelhaase has become clearer following the Pittsburgh Steelers' decision to hire Mike McCarthy. This move removes another team that was expected to pursue Scheelhaase. Scheelhaase, who has two seasons of NFL experience and previously served as an offensive coordinator at Iowa State, is scheduled to coach in the NFC Championship game on Sunday. Regardless of the outcome, the Browns can interview him post-game, though a formal hiring would likely occur after the Super Bowl in February.

Scheelhaase's current responsibilities include play-calling for the Rams, a significant leap from his college quarterback career where he amassed 10,634 total offensive yards. His reported interest in retaining Schwartz on the coaching staff could be advantageous, given his limited NFL experience. Udinski is also reportedly interested in keeping Schwartz. The Browns are reportedly planning to travel to Los Angeles to meet with Scheelhaase on Monday, after which they can hire either candidate next week if they choose.