Cleveland Browns’ head coaching search hit with a curveball that is likely to delay a hire being made
The Browns had a candidate withdraw from contention for the head coaching job.
The Cleveland Browns have been in search of a new head coach since Kevin Stefanski was relieved of his duties on Jan. 5. Cleveland has since narrowed things down to five candidates that they have interest in with second interviews taking place this week.
Unfortunately for the Browns, a curveball was just thrown their way.
Mike McDaniel withdrawing from head coaching search makes things tougher for the Browns
Cleveland was set to interview former Miami Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel on Jan. 21, but that will no longer happen. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, McDaniel has withdrawn his name from contention in Cleveland.
NFL rules state that teams must interview two minority candidates in person before a head coach can be hired. Cleveland has not interviewed a minority candidate in person yet and McDaniel would have satisfied one of the two interviews needed.
Cleveland will now need to bring in another minority candidate for an in-person interview after McDaniel’s move.
McDaniel was a wide receivers coach in Cleveland back in 2014. The offensive-minded coach has interest from the Baltimore Ravens and Las Vegas Raiders for their open head coaching positions. McDaniel is also set to interview for the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive coordinator job. The Cleveland job being turned down was McDaniel simply ranking the other opportunities over them.
Cleveland defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, and Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase remain in the mix for the job. Scheelhaase is a minority candidate, but can’t yet interview with the Rams still in the playoffs.
Two head coaching jobs have been filled already and Stefanski has taken the Atlanta Falcons job. At this time it looks like the Browns are looking at next week before a coach is hired.
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