The Cleveland Browns coaching search this offseason has seen two prominent names pull themselves from consideration, a testament to the limited interest in a head-coaching vacancy for the franchise. While the team’s options have been reduced, it appears there are two finalists emerging right now.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Los Angeles Rams pass-game coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase and Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski are “finalists” in the Browns coaching search. Additional reporting, including by Bleacher Report’s James Palmer, indicates that Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken remain in consideration.
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Udinski, if hired, would be the youngest head coach in NFL history. He just turned 30 years old on Jan. 12, so he would take that historic mark from Sean McVay who was hired a few days before his 31st birthday by the Rams.
The 30-year-old joined the Minnesota Vikings coaching staff in 2022, working as an assistant to Kevin O’Connell. He then earned a promotion to assistant quarterbacks coach the following year and received the title of assistant offensive coordinator in 2024.
After spending three seasons with O’Connell, one of the NFL’s top, young coaches, head coach Liam Coen brought him on as the Jaguars offensive coordinator ahead of the 2025 campaign. While he didn’t call plays, Udinski proved integral to the team’s success this past season.
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Scheelhaase, age 35, joined the Rams coaching staff in 2024 after previously serving as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Iowa State. McVay reportedly identified him as an up-and-comer in the coaching world, naming him an offensive assistant and passing game specialist in his first year and then promoting him to pass game coordinator in 2025.
Scheelhaase has also interviewed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he drew consideration for several offensive coordinator vacancies around the league. It is worth noting, per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, that Scheelhaase received rave reviews in his head coaching interview with Pittsburgh. As a result, the Browns could face strong competition for him.
