As the Cleveland Browns continue reshaping their future after moving on from Kevin Stefanski, a new name has quietly entered the conversation with potential ripple effects for Shedeur Sanders and the franchise’s long term direction.

Nate Scheelhaase is not a household figure, but the Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator has quickly become one of the most intriguing coaching candidates in this year’s hiring cycle, drawing interest from multiple teams and now earning an interview with Cleveland.

The Browns have cast a wide net during their search, meeting with established coordinators and emerging assistants alike. Scheelhaase represents the latter.

At just 37, he has climbed rapidly within Sean McVay‘s offensive system and built a reputation for quarterback development and modern passing concepts. For a team preparing to shape its next era under center, the profile is difficult to ignore.

Scheelhaase joined the Rams in 2024 as an offensive assistant and passing game specialist before being promoted to passing game coordinator in 2025.

The results were striking. Los Angeles finished first in the NFL in passing offense, averaging 268.1 yards per game and compiling more than 4,500 passing yards.

Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford delivered one of the best seasons of his career, throwing for 4,707 yards and a career high 46 touchdowns with only eight interceptions, placing him firmly in the MVP conversation.

That surge has elevated Scheelhaase‘s visibility around the league. In addition to Cleveland, the Steelers, Raiders and Ravens have all requested interviews, underscoring how quickly his stock has risen during a cycle with nine head coaching openings.

A background built around quarterbacks and adaptability

Scheelhaase‘s rsum stretches well beyond one productive season in Los Angeles. Before arriving in the NFL, he spent six years at Iowa State, including a stint as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

While the Cyclones ranked near the bottom of the Big 12 in total offense during his lone season calling plays, those around the program credit his player development and flexibility within the scheme.

He also understands the position from the inside. Scheelhaase was a four year starting quarterback at Illinois, where he threw for more than 8,500 yards, rushed for over 2,000 more, and earned second team All Big Ten honors.

That experience has shaped how he communicates with quarterbacks and structures game plans, a trait that could be valuable for a young passer like Sanders entering the league spotlight.

For Cleveland, the appeal lies in balancing upside with risk. Scheelhaase has never served as an NFL coordinator or managed an entire roster, and much of his professional success has been tied to a proven veteran in Stafford.

Still, league interest suggests front offices view him as more than a gamble. The Rams‘ playoff run could delay any potential hire, but the momentum surrounding Scheelhaase continues to build.

If the Browns ultimately lean toward innovation over familiarity, this interview could signal a shift in philosophy.