Three Coaches The Cleveland Browns Should Target

Klint Kubiak has led one of the NFL’s best offenses during the 2025 season. The Seattle Seahawks went 14-3, finished first in the NFC, and averaged 28.4 points per game, making them the favorites to win Super Bowl LX.

On the other hand, Cleveland’s offensive struggles were the main reason for the team’s 5-12 record. The Browns struggled to find consistency at numerous positions and averaged just 16.4 points per game.

Bringing in a fresh offensive mind to help turn things around makes sense, and Kubiak fits just that. While he has never been a head coach, he has been an NFL assistant or coordinator since 2013. At just 38 years old, Kubiak could be the fresh, innovative voice the Browns need to get back to the playoffs.

Brian Flores

Haslam and the Browns could also choose to go with a commanding, defensive-minded head coach in Brian Flores. His time with the Miami Dolphins ended in 2022 in part because he was never afraid to voice his opinions to players and ownership. Since then, he has led one of the NFL’s best defenses with the Minnesota Vikings.

In Cleveland, Flores would inherit a talented defense and could easily keep the unit among the league’s best in 2026. While he deserves another opportunity as a head coach, his success would depend heavily on the offensive coordinator hire. He would need a strong offensive mind to complement him, especially given the current lack of talent on the Browns’ offense.

Hiring Flores would also be a move to change the culture. He could bring toughness and accountability to an organization that is struggling. With the Browns in desperate need of a culture reset, he could be the coach to make it happen.

Chris Shula

Another candidate the Browns should consider for an interview is Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula. In 2025, Shula guided the Rams to the NFL’s third-best red zone defense while limiting opponents to just 20.4 points per game.

Shula has been part of Sean McVay’s coaching staff since 2017, working his way up from a defensive assistant to defensive coordinator. Coaches who come out of the McVay tree have a strong track record of success as main guys, which bodes well for him.

At just 39 years old, Shula could bring a fresh perspective to the Browns and help guide the team back to the playoffs.

End Of My Cleveland Browns Rant

The Browns need to get this coaching hire right, especially with the talent already on the roster. Missing on a top candidate could set the franchise back several years, something they cannot afford if they want to compete for Super Bowls.

With five other head coaching openings already, quality candidates will be in high demand. Jimmy Haslam and Andrew Berry will need to be decisive if they want to land the coach who can guide the team into the future.