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Browns Announce Anthony Lynn News After Grant Udinski Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sami Haider | Last updated Jan 25, 2026 11:27 AM ET

The Cleveland Browns axed head coach Kevin Stefanski on Jan. 5 for delivering two back-to-back disappointing seasons. He spent six years in Cleveland after being hired in 2020 and finished with a 45–56 record and two playoff appearances.

After this season’s underwhelming 5-12 record, Browns GM Andrew Berry had no option but to look for the right fit who can lead the team.

According to the latest report, the Browns brought back Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski for a second interview on Friday. The 30-year-old interviewed with the team on Jan. 17 after finishing his first season calling plays in Jacksonville, where the offense ranked sixth in the league for a team that won a division title.

We have completed a second head coach interview with Grant Udinski

Read more: https://t.co/bBvXJ98dbk pic.twitter.com/bZjNosAbBs
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) January 24, 2026

And it is important to note that, before him, Browns conducted second-round interviews with two more candidates, Cleveland defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken.

After Udinski's second sit-down, Cleveland announced it had also interviewed Washington Commanders running backs coach Anthony Lynn, who brings head-coaching experience to the table from his four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers. Under him, the Chargers turned in a 33-31 record across four seasons and earned one playoff win.

Last night, we completed a head coach interview with Anthony Lynn

Read more: https://t.co/dooVZXHpnR pic.twitter.com/62pncrIIAP
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) January 25, 2026

Lynn previously coached for the Buffalo Bills in the 2015-16 season. He finished that stint as interim head coach for the season finale after Greg Roman's firing.

Surprisingly, the Bills also completed an interview with Lynn for their head coaching position on Saturday after interviewing Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.

We have completed an interview with Anthony Lynn for our head coaching position.

: https://t.co/1vTvKN2WhM pic.twitter.com/VCsDcG9kim
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 24, 2026

It seems like both the Bills and Browns are now locked in a race for the same candidates. However, the Browns must complete another Rooney Rule interview before making any official hire. The rule stipulates that NFL teams must conduct at least two interviews with a external diverse candidates — minority or female — for any GM or head coach position.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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