Browns Conduct HC Interview With Anthony Lynn

The meeting was in person, Anderson adds. As a result, the Browns have conducted one of their two mandatory in-person interviews with external minority candidates. Another will take place on Monday when Cleveland speaks with Rams pass-game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase.

Once the Browns satisfy the Rooney Rule, a hire could soon follow. They are one of four teams still in need of a head coach at this point in the hiring cycle, one which will see 10 of the NFL’s teams make a change at the HC spot when it is complete. Lynn also interviewed with the Bills today.

The 57-year-old was a running backs coach in Cleveland during the 2008 and ’09 seasons. Lynn had already held that role with two other teams at that point, and he has since done so with another four. In between, he was the Chargers’ head coach from 2017-20. The Bolts posted a winning record for Lynn’s first two years in charge, but that was followed by 5-11 and 7-9 campaigns.

Lynn followed up his debut HC stint with a single campaign as the Lions’ offensive coordinator. Head coach Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties midway through the season, and to no surprise a parting of ways took place at the end of the year. Lynn then spent a pair of seasons with the 49ers with his title including assistant head coach. Since 2024, he has worked as the Commanders‘ RBs coach and run-game coordinator.

Washington’s staff is undergoing a number of changes in the wake of a disappointing campaign. That could include Lynn departing, depending on how the Bills and Browns proceed over the coming days. Via PFR’s HC Search Tracker, here is an updated look at where things stand in Cleveland’s case:

• Aden Durde, defensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed 1/9
• John Harbaugh, former head coach (Ravens): Rumored mutual interest; interview requested
• Anthony Lynn, run-game coordinator (Commanders): Interviewed 1/24
• Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): To conduct second interview 1/21; withdrew from search
• Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator (Chargers): To conduct second interview 1/22; withdrew from search
• Todd Monken, offensive coordinator (Ravens): Conducted second interview 1/20
• Dan Pitcher, offensive coordinator (Bengals): Interviewed 1/9
• Tommy Rees, offensive coordinator (Browns): Interviewed 1/8
• Nate Scheelhaase, pass game coordinator (Rams): To conduct second interview 1/26; considered serious candidate
• Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator (Browns): Conducted second interview 1/19; seen as favorite?
• Chris Shula, defensive coordinator (Rams): Interview requested
• Grant Udinski, offensive coordinator (Jaguars): Conducted second interview 1/23