Browns predicted to hire coordinator who helped QB have MVP-caliber year as next head coach

The Cleveland Browns' head coach search has now spanned multiple weeks as the team does its due diligence in finding Kevin Stefanski's replacement.

The Browns have thus far interviewed or requested to interview around a dozen candidates, one of which is Los Angeles Rams passing-game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase.

And it's Scheelhaase who was predicted by USA TODAY's Jacob Camenker to land the Browns' head-coach job.

"Scheelhaase is in just his first season as the Rams' passing game coordinator and helped Matthew Stafford post an MVP-caliber season," Camenker wrote. "The 37-year-old veteran completed 65% of his passes for 4,707 yards, a league-best 46 touchdowns and just eight interceptions."

"The Browns could envision Scheelhaase achieving similar heights in Cleveland, as the team continues its endless search for a franchise quarterback," Camenker added. "Scheelhaase has high-level quarterback experience of his own, as he was a four-year starter at Illinois from 2010-13, and also spent six seasons on Matt Campbell's staff at Iowa State before jumping to the NFL level."

Not only have the Browns interviewed Scheelhaase, but they are reportedly looking to bring him in for a second interview, which shows he has a legitimate shot to land the job.

Scheelhaase is viewed as a rising star in league circles. He joined the Rams in 2024 as an offensive assistant and passing-game specialist, and was then promoted to his current role in 2025.

As Camenker notes, he played a role in what was a fantastic season for quarterback Matthew Stafford, who is a finalist for the MVP award.

The Rams' passing attack ranked first in the NFL in 2025 and 10th in 2024, which is another boost to Scheelhaase's candidacy.

The risk with the 35-year-old coach is he has never even been an offensive coordinator, let alone a head coach, so he'd amount to a gamble.

But given his history of success with the Rams, and the fact that he's a Sean McVay disciple, there's a good chance the Browns will overlook that and still hire him.

More NFL news

• Joe Mixon injury update points to likely split with Texans
• Raiders head coach rumor pinpoints two possible favorites
• 49ers announce stances on futures of Brandon Aiyuk, Mac Jones
• Bills head coach rumor could lead to battle with Ravens, Steelers
• Bills owner throws Sean McDermott under the bus twice
• Daboll-Bills-Titans rumor is terrible news for Eagles' OC search