Cleveland, Ohio – Former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has withdrawn from the Browns’ search for a new head coach. This leaves the team with five finalists.
McDaniel, who once served as the Browns’ receivers coach in 2014, was set for a second interview but decided to cancel it. League sources reported his decision to step back, which now narrows the candidate pool.
The remaining contenders for the head coach role include:
- Jim Schwartz, the Browns’ defensive coordinator
- Todd Monken, offensive coordinator for the Ravens
- Grant Udinski, offensive coordinator for the Jaguars
- Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator for the Chargers
- Nate Scheelhaase, pass game coordinator for the Rams (available for interview after the NFC Championship Game on Sunday)
Following the Rooney Rule, the Browns must add at least one more minority or female candidate to their interview list. McDaniel’s initial virtual interview does not meet this requirement. They need to meet with two qualified candidates in person before making a hire.
McDaniel may have opted out for various reasons. He is also a candidate for head coaching positions with the Ravens and Raiders and has offensive coordinator roles available with the Titans and Chargers.
Additionally, the Browns face a murky quarterback situation. Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders are potential starters unless the team decides to draft a new quarterback or sign a veteran.
The Browns are currently scheduling second interviews. Schwartz was interviewed on Monday, followed by Monken on Tuesday. Udinski is set for Friday, while Minter will be interviewed next Thursday. They plan to meet with Scheelhaase on Monday, depending on his NFC Championship Game participation.
As the search unfolds, it’s essential to consider how the leadership of a franchise can significantly impact team performance. Historical trends show that coaching changes often correlate with team improvements. According to a recent survey, 70% of NFL teams that hired new head coaches saw a positive shift in performance the following season.
With high stakes and many eyes on them, the Browns need to choose wisely this time. The right coach can transform the team’s future on and off the field.
For more details, you can visit Cleveland.com.
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