'Top Candidate' Emerges For Cleveland Browns Head Coach

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Jan 24, 2026 5:00 PM ET

The Cleveland Browns seem to be narrowing down their head coaching search even as the fans complain about dysfunction.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport via ESPN Cleveland, Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase has emerged as a "top candidate" for the job. Such an arrangement would likely include retaining beloved defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz in his current role. Scheelhaase will reportedly interview for the team next week.

"Nate Scheelhaase is a top candidate for the Browns and would likely keep Jim Schwartz as DC, per @rapsheet. The Browns will interview Scheelhaase next week," the outlet reported.

Nate Scheelhaase is a top candidate for the Browns and would likely keep Jim Schwartz as DC, per @rapsheet.

The Browns will interview Scheelhaase next week. pic.twitter.com/MUrySSImIM
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) January 24, 2026

Scheelhaase and the Browns

It would certainly be an unconventional choice for the Browns to go with Scheelhaase. At 35 years of age he would be the youngest head coach in the league if hired and would have the least amount of experience too.

Scheelhaase only got his first taste of NFL football in 2024 after spending the first nine years of his coaching career split between his alma mater Illinois and Iowa State. He was promoted to Rams passing game coordinator this past year but admittedly did a superb job by helping Rams QB Matthew Stafford enjoy one of his best seasons.

Granted, plenty of head coaches have been hired with little to no experience in the NFL. But those coaches have usually had far more experience in college or pro coaching elsewhere first.

Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Fans seem to be mixed on whether it would be a good idea. Some feel that Scheelhaase is a rising superstar, while others think he may be overmatched in Cleveland.

"The Browns hiring Nate Scheelhaase when the Steelers get McCarthy would be a complete role reversal where the Browns actually outsmart them," one user remarked.

"A passing game coordinator? Not even an OC? We sure he’s not OC and Udinski HC?" another remarked.

"Totally unqualified but at least he’s young enough to remember how to do his homework," a third wrote.

"Cleveland being the organization that will go out and try something new while Baltimore and Pittsburgh stay stuck in their own ways, what a timeline."

Do you like the idea of Scheelhaase to the Browns?

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

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