Browns coaching search: Ranking the top 6 non-NFL candidates to replace Kevin Stefanski

Andy McNamara

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Browns coaching search: Ranking the top 6 non-NFL candidates to replace Kevin Stefanski image

Following Kevin Stefanski's firing on Black Monday, the Cleveland Browns are once again at a critical crossroads.

In a press conference this morning, owner Jimmy Haslam mentioned that the head coaching search will begin immediately. "The next 120-days are crucial to the organization... We are open to an offensive or defensive-minded head coach."

Haslam also explained that Berry will be leading the coaching search team.

Jimmy Haslam gives a detailed explanation on why he is keeping Andrew Berry as GM pic.twitter.com/5DermjS3BB
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) January 5, 2026

MORE: Kevin Stefanski officially out as Browns head coach

So, where is the next Browns leader going to come from? Someone who can develop rookie Shedeur Sanders and continue to maximize a defense anchored by Myles Garrett.

That person could very well not be in the NFL right now.

Let's look at some of the top head coach candidates in college football or currently not in the league.

Ranking the top 6 non-NFL candidates to replace Kevin Stefanski

1. Deion Sanders

Who better to develop Sanders than his dad? It's well known that Deion coached Shedeur his whole life, including college.

Deion's record as head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes is 16-21.

2. Dan Lanning

The Oregon sideline boss Lanning is considered by many to be one of the best "pro-style" CEO types in college football. He turned the Ducks into an offensive juggernaut while maintaining a physical defensive identity.

He is young, aggressive and highly adaptable.

3. Mike McCarthy

Overall head coaching record with the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys is 174-112-2 (.608). He won a Super Bowl with the Packers, and is 11-11 in the playoffs.

4. Jon Gruden

It would be a controversial hire because of his lawsuit with the NFL. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam isn't afraid to make bold moves, and a Gruden hire would rock the league. A Super Bowl champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and two stints with the Raiders, Gruden's been out of the NFL since 2021.

Regular season record is 117-112 (0.511), and 5-4 in the postseason.

5. Steve Sarkisian

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler commented, "Texas coach Steve Sarkisian publicly denying any NFL interest back in October doesn't necessarily end the conversation. He has deep NFL ties after stints with the Falcons and Raiders over the years, and he could easily gauge the market without being directly involved."

6. Bret Bielema

It's a long shot, but Fowler mentions the Illinois head coach who's won 19-games over the past two seasons. "He spent three years as an NFL assistant between collegiate head coaching stints, so I believe the pros is still attractive to him. He's an outside-the-box idea."