First of all, I think we’re all Houston Texans fans this morning. Previously the Steelers had won twenty-two straight Monday night games before last night. Now the question becomes will Mike Tomlin survive. On a personal note, if he doesn’t, I don’t want him on the Browns. Their offense stinks, he holds on to assistant coaches too long, (longer than Stefanski) and he would never coach the Browns. That hate runs deep. Who would’ve thought the AFC North would be such a mess.
Here’s the candidates to Browns have and will interview as of this writing. Jim Schwartz, Tommy Rees, Mike McDaniel, Todd Monken, Aden Durde, Grant Udinski, Dan Pitcher, Jessie Minter and Nate Scheelhaase. They are still in back-channel communications with John Harbaugh and his agent. I’ve heard there are some in the Browns front office who would like to talk to Mike LaFleur, the Rams offensive coordinator. The Udinski interview caught me a little bit by surprise, because I had been told they wouldn’t interview him because of his age, so that’s interesting. They’ve not interviewed Mike McCarthy, and I don’t think they will. It’s twenty years too late for him. Besides, Browns GM Andrew Berry said in his media availability they were looking for a leader of men and for the fans and media to keep an open mind. Not either’s strong suit. I’ve been told they want someone who can do the heavy lifting and strategy as a head coach.
I’ve also been told; they are not telling candidates they have to keep Schwartz, prefer is the word used. As far Schwartz, his only other interview to date is with the Ravens. If wants to go, fine. Any coordinator in the NFL would love to coach this defense, so if he goes, the Browns new coach would have his pick of top defensive minds. Just remember the Browns lost three games because Schwartz’s defense failed. The Vikings, the Titans and the Bills. Maybe they could hire someone who could push this defense into what the Texans look like.
As for the quarterback situation, the team is not telling candidates they have to start Sheduer Sanders. I don’t know if they’re telling candidates that they have to keep him. It sounds they would like to sign or trade for a veteran quarterback and I’m not talking about a bridge QB. The options are limited at best. Gino Smith and Kyler Murry seem like the best options. If the Raiders and Jets don’t screw up the first two picks, drafting a QB doesn’t look like an option in the first round. My preference for the Browns are offensive tackle and wide receiver, in that order, but things could change by April, we still have free agency to work though.
Finally my weekly reminder, the Browns are not in salary cap hell, they’ll have the money to spend because Berry knows contracts and Deshaun Watson will not be an option to play for the Browns in 2026. As for the candidates mentioned above, Scheelhaase and Udinski intrigue me. Stay safe and GO Browns.