Cleveland Browns’ potential head coaching candidates after the decision to fire Kevin Stefanski following 2025 season
Looking at the possibilities for Cleveland’s next head coach after Kevin Stefanski was fired on Monday.
The Cleveland Browns ended their season with a win over the Cincinnati Bengals to finish with a 5-12 record. A day after the season finished, the Browns have already made a huge change for the franchise.
Cleveland is in search of a new head coach after moving on from Kevin Stefanski following six years with the team. The Browns are keeping GM Andrew Berry around, and he’ll lead the search for the new head coach. The Browns can go many ways with this next hire. We take a look at a few options below.
In-house options for the Browns to hire as next head coach
Jim Schwartz, Defensive Coordinator
Jim Schwartz is a former head coach, and though his stint with the Detroit Lions didn’t go well, he’s proven to be a great defensive coordinator in this league.
Schwartz’s attacking front is the identity of this current Browns team, and he’s built a great relationship within the organization over the past three seasons — a 59-year-old current assistant with a lot of experience.
Tommy Rees, Offensive Coordinator
Tommy Rees has been a name brought up for multiple head coaching jobs at the college ranks — and he’s a well-thought-of offensive mind that is coming up.
Don’t be surprised if you at least hear that Rees is connected to the opening in Cleveland. The leap to being a head coach now at 33 years old may be too soon for Rees, considering 2025 was his first time calling plays at the NFL level.
Former head coaches the Browns could hire
Mike McCarthy, Former Packers/Cowboys HC
If the Browns want a veteran coach to come in and establish a foundation, this former Green Bay Packers head coach may be the one. Mike McCarthy is an offensive-minded coach who was with the Packers for 13 years, finishing up in 2018.
McCarthy then spent five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys from 2020 to 2024. The 62-year-old Pennsylvania native has been mentioned for multiple openings.
Robert Saleh, 49ers DC/ former Jets HC
It is a matter of time until Robert Saleh is a head coach again after getting a raw deal with the New York Jets, when he was the head coach from 2021 through 2024.
Saleh is a very good defensive coordinator now back with the San Francisco 49ers. If the Browns want to bring in a defensive guy who is going to demand a lot out of his players, they should be thinking about this route.
First-time head coaches Cleveland can look at
Klint Kubiak, Seattle Seahawks OC
The most likely outcome is the Browns bringing in a first-time head coach with an offensive background once again.
Klint Kubiak fits that mold as the current offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks at 38 years old. Kubiak is the son of Gary Kubiak, and he’s one of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL. A current assistant who will have plenty of head coaching interest from teams with openings.
Chris Shula, Los Angeles Rams DC
The Sean McVay coaching tree is a popular place, and Chris Shula may be the next one up. Shula is the current defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams, and he’s held that role for the past two seasons.
The 39-year-old Miami native has been with the Rams organization since 2017, when he started as an assistant linebackers coach. Chris is the grandson of legendary head coach Don Shula.
Jesse Minter, Los Angeles Chargers DC
Jesse Minter is the defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Chargers and has held the position for the past two seasons. Minter may be 42 years old, but he has a bunch of attractive experience at both the college and NFL levels.
Minter was the defensive coordinator for the Michigan Wolverines when they won a national championship a couple of years ago, then he followed Jim Harbaugh to Los Angeles. Another name that is going to be brought up for multiple jobs.
Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills OC
The last coach on this list is another offensive-minded coach who will get his fair share of interest. Joe Brady worked with Joe Burrow at LSU back in 2019 — and he’s been with the Buffalo Bills since 2022.
Brady has had a big part in the growth of QB Josh Allen, going from his quarterbacks coach in 2022 to the offensive coordinator by 2024.
Cleveland Browns News
Cleveland Browns have made their decision on HC Kevin Stefanski’s future with the team following 5-12 season
Cleveland is moving on from their two-time NFL Coach of the Year following their season being ended.
