The Cleveland Browns’ head coaching search has become one of the most unusual and closely watched situations in recent NFL history.
After parting ways with Kevin Stefanski following a disappointing 2025 season, the franchise set out to find a new leader to guide its talented yet inconsistent roster. However, instead of quickly landing a replacement, Cleveland has faced a series of high-profile declines, leaving fans and analysts frustrated and bewildered.
At the center of the latest drama was Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, a 30-year-old rising coaching star. Udinski emerged as one of the Browns’ top candidates after leading a highly productive offense in 2025. Many saw him as a young, innovative choice capable of injecting energy into Cleveland’s offense.
Despite mutual interest, Udinski ultimately withdrew from consideration, choosing to stay with the Jaguars on a new contract while simultaneously pursuing opportunities with the Buffalo Bills. This decision left the Browns scrambling and highlighted how difficult it has become for teams to attract sought-after coaching talent.
Other high-profile candidates have also passed on Cleveland. Mike McDaniel, known for his offensive creativity and previous head coaching experience with the Miami Dolphins, removed his name from consideration, citing more appealing opportunities elsewhere.
Jesse Minter accepted a head coaching role with another franchise, and defensive coordinator Chris Shula reportedly declined the Browns’ offer. This string of refusals has intensified scrutiny of the organization and prompted questions about what makes the team less appealing to top-tier coaching candidates.
Fan frustration and the organizational challenge
Social media reaction has been intense. Some fans have expressed outright disdain for the Browns’ inability to secure a head coach, with comments ranging from memes to blunt critiques of the franchise’s decision-making.
Others argue that the negativity is overblown, noting that coaching searches are fluid and that Cleveland still has viable options from a deep candidate pool.
The remaining potential candidates include defensive mastermind Jim Schwartz, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, former Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, and Commanders run game coordinator Anthony Lynn.
Monken‘s name hasn’t garnered much support amongst Browns fans, as plenty have voiced their feelings on social media on why they don’t want him to take over.
“This would be the most underwhelming hire ever,” wrote one fan, while another said: “No one wants that bum.”
A third wrote: “0-17 coming up.”
As the NFL coaching carousel continues to turn, the Browns’ leadership faces growing pressure to make a decisive hire that can energize the fanbase.