Cleveland Browns: Head Coaching Job Viewed as the Least Attractive in the NFL

The Cleveland Browns are presently enduring another setback in their search for a new head coach, as Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski has withdrawn his name from consideration. Having previously interviewed and seemed like a serious candidate, Udinski is now focused on securing a role with the Buffalo Bills.

Current Candidates and Withdrawals

Grant Udinski’s exit marks the third coach to pull out of the Browns’ search, which began following the dismissal of Kevin Stefanski. Stefanski, whose tenure included a disappointing 8-26 record over the last two seasons, has since joined the Atlanta Falcons. Other notable withdrawals include:

• Mike McDaniel (former Dolphins coach)
• Jesse Minter (now head coach of the Ravens)

Remaining Candidates for the Position

Despite losing multiple candidates, a few coaches are still in contention:

• Anthony Lynn (Washington Commanders assistant)
• Jim Schwartz (Browns defensive coordinator)
• Todd Monken (Ravens offensive coordinator)
• Nate Scheelhaase (Rams passing game coordinator)

Challenges for the Browns Organization

The Browns are widely regarded as one of the least desirable franchises in the NFL, even with promising talent on the roster. The difficulty in attracting high-quality coaching candidates raises red flags for the organization. Recent reports have surfaced indicating that the Browns’ ownership has made odd requests during the interview process, including:

• Essay submissions on coaching philosophy
• Personality tests
• Various peculiar hiring criteria

These unnecessary complexities might be contributing to the hesitation among potential candidates.

The Broncos’ Infamous History

Cleveland’s reputation as a challenging organization stems from years of instability and underperformance. Despite the talent they possess, including skilled players acquired via the draft, the team struggles to gain respect in the league.

Grant Udinski, at just 30 years old, previously served as the assistant offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings before making his move to the Jaguars. The Jaguars have retained him for another season, notably after an impressive 2025 campaign in which they finished 13-4, despite suffering a home playoff loss to the Bills.

Moving Forward

The Browns face an uphill battle as they work to position themselves attractively for prospective head coaches. With ownership complexities and a shaky recent performance track record, they must find ways to revamp their organizational culture if they hope to compete effectively in the coming seasons.

Conclusion

The Cleveland Browns encapsulate the struggles of an NFL franchise searching for stability and success. As they navigate the hiring process, only time will tell if they can secure a coach who is not only eager to lead but also able to transform the fortunes of a storied yet troubled team.

For more insights, see the Cleveland Browns’ official site.