Cleveland Browns Get Ripped For 'Dysfunctional' Coaching Search

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Jan 23, 2026 6:00 PM ET

We've seen plenty of head-scratching head coaching searches throughout NFL history, but the Cleveland Browns seem to be breaking new ground in terms of dysfunction.

Earlier today, NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that the Browns' "data-driven operation" to find their next head coach. That approach reportedly includes "questionaires, a multi-part essay, a personality test, and additional homework."

Per the report, that process was part of what contributed to former candidates Mike McDaniel and Jesse Minter to withdraw from consideration. Minter is now the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens while McDaniel is reportedly on the verge of being the next offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Browns are reportedly a “data-driven operation” and are requiring head coaching candidates to complete questionnaires, a multi-part essay, a personality test, and additional homework, per @TomPelissero

Mike McDaniel and Jesse Minter both withdrew from consideration. pic.twitter.com/nKm0UijYul
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) January 23, 2026

"Dysfunctional"

One word that was repeatedly spread across social media in response to this report was "dysfunction." That level of rigor to finding a simple head coach given the decades of hiring based on in-person interviews did not go over well with fans:

"Yea they’re definitely dysfunctional that’s for sure," one user on X remarked.

"I’m convinced they are tanking for Arch. This is all a scheme," another mused.

"They fr think anyone wants to do THAT much work to coach the Browns," a third mocked.

"Browns are gonna end up forcibly promoting from within the organization since no one wants that job."

"How (GM) Andrew Berry retains a job is bonkers. Selecting two over rated QBs last year should’ve been the nail in the coffin. Football is a people’s game. Leadership starts at the top."

BEREA, OHIO - MARCH 25: Quarterback Deshaun Watson #4 of the Cleveland Browns is introduced by general manager Andrew Berry (L) and head coach Kevin Stefanski during a press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on March 25, 2022 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

If it's any consolation to the Browns, we have seen absurd coaching carousels work in the past. Lest we forget, the Houston Texans hired and fired David Culley and Lovie Smith in back-to-back years before landing DeMeco Ryans and enjoying sustained success with him.

The key - and the only thing that will truly matter in the end - is getting the quarterback right, whether that's in the NFL Draft or free agency.

Until the Browns find a quarterback and commit to developing him, it doesn't especially matter what process they use to find their head coach.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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