Cleveland Browns got just the news they needed to move forward with a head coaching hire to start the week

The latest update on the Browns coaching search following the NFL conference championship games.

Brandon Little Ohio State Buckeyes & Cleveland Browns News Writer
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Jeff Lange-USA TODAY NETWORK

The Cleveland Browns took a key step over the weekend when they interviewed Anthony Lynn and satisfied one part of the Rooney Rule

Cleveland is set to interview Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase on Monday — then they’d be free to make a hire for the next head coach

The Rams season ending against the Seahawks is great news for the Browns 

Scheelhaase will be the second candidate to complete the Rooney Rule where two candidates with diverse backgrounds must interview in person for the job. Cleveland will fly out to Los Angeles on Monday to interview Scheelhaase a second time following the Rams’ 31-27 loss to the Seattle Seahawks Sunday night. Once that interview takes place, the Browns are able to hire Scheelhaase or anyone else. 

Cleveland has had second interviews with defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski. The Browns have a decision on their hands to go with the veteran defensive coach who leads their top-flight defense — or to go with one of the young brilliant offensive minds.  

The thought is that the Browns will keep Schwartz as the defensive coordinator if the team moves forward with Udinski or Scheelhaase.

Nate Scheelhaase has a quick rise to this moment with the Browns 

Scheelhaase is a very real candidate to be the next head coach of the Browns at 35 years old. The former standout Illinois quarterback got his start as an assistant with the Illini in 2015 and joined Iowa State by 2018 as the running backs coach. It was with the Cyclones where Scheelhaase jumped onto the radar. 

After one season as the Cyclones’ offensive coordinator in 2023, Rams head coach Sean McVay hired Scheelhaase as an offensive assistant and passing game specialist. Scheelhasse is one of the most respected coaches expected to come out of the McVay tree soon along with defensive coordinator Chris Shula.