The window on the head coaching market is closing quickly. With the Pittsburgh Steelers announcing Mike McCarthy as their new head coach, the Cleveland Browns are now interviewing what could be their leading candidate: the young Nate Scheelhaase.

After a disappointing 5-12 season that left them at the bottom of the AFC North, the Browns parted ways with head coach Kevin Stefanski. He officially left the team on January 5 after five seasons at the helm and has since joined the Atlanta Falcons.

Cleveland has scheduled interviews with four candidates for the position. However, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reports that Scheelhaase currently tops the list.

Cleveland narrows its head coaching search

According to ESPN Cleveland:

“Nate Scheelhaase is a top candidate for the Browns and would likely keep Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator, per @RapSheet. The Browns will interview Scheelhaase next week.”

Scheelhaase was promoted to passing game coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams in 2025. Before that, he spent nine years in various coaching roles at Illinois and Iowa State in the NCAA.

His work with Matthew Stafford has drawn praise, but his limited coaching experience has raised serious doubts among fans.

Fans are divided on Scheelhaase

Scheelhaase’s candidacy has sparked mixed reactions. “The Browns hiring Nate Scheelhaase when the Steelers get Mike McCarthy would be a complete role reversal where the Browns actually outsmart them,” said one optimistic fan.

Others remain skeptical. “A passing game coordinator? Not even an OC? Are we sure he’s not OC and [Grant] Udinski HC?” another fan questioned in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

As the Browns continue their recruiting process, fans wait anxiously to see whether the team can secure a coach capable of leading them back to the playoffs.