Browns coaching tracker: Todd Monken emerges as finalist; Jesse Minter completes interview

Andy McNamara

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Browns coaching tracker: Todd Monken emerges as finalist; Jesse Minter completes interview image

Could the Cleveland Browns head coach search be entering its final phase?

The answer is...maybe! While DC Jim Schwartz and Todd Monken have second interviews set up for next week, there are still first meetings being conducted with young rising star candidates.

Let's take a look at the latest coaching tracker:

Jim Schwartz (Browns Defensive Coordinator)

Status: Second interview scheduled for Monday, Jan. 19th
The Scoop: The fan favorite. He led a top-5 defense in 2025 and is seen as a "stabilizing force" with past HC experience. If Schwartz isn't promoted, then there's a strong risk they'd lose him. Something I'm sure Myles Garrett would not be pleased about.

Todd Monken (Ravens Offensive Coordinator)

Status: Second interview scheduled for Tuesday, Jan 20th
The Scoop: A familiar face (Browns OC in 2019). Rumors of friction with Lamar Jackson in Baltimore make him a fascinating "red flag" candidate. He may follow John Harbaugh to his next job.

Grant Udinski (Jaguars Offensive Coordinator)

Status: Interviewed Saturday Jan. 17th
The Scoop: A fast-rising offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville helped Trevor Lawrence achieve the most touchdowns in a single season in franchise history. Prior to joining the Jaguars in 2025, the 30-year-old was a key assistant with the Vikings, where he was credited with helping develop Sam Darnold.

Nate Scheelhaase (Rams Pass Game Coordinator)

Status: Interviewed Friday Jan. 16th
The Scoop: The fastest rising wildcard in the search, the 35-year-old Sean McVay protégé who helped deliver the NFL's top scoring and passing offense this season as the Rams' pass game coordinator.

More: It's his job to lose: Why Jim Schwartz is the clear frontrunner over Todd Monken for Browns HC

Jesse Minter (Chargers Defensive Coordinator)

Status: Interviewed Friday Jan. 16th
The Scoop: A rising star in the coaching ranks, Minter’s impressive resume includes a 2023 National Championship with Michigan and a 2025 Chargers defense that ranked ninth in points allowed per game.

Chris Shula (Rams Defensive Coordinator)

Status: Interviewed Requested.
The Scoop: He led the Rams to the top defensive ranking in the NFL this season according to Pro Football Focus, demonstrating elite production in his first year as DC. Shula also possesses deep ties to Ohio and the Browns' history as the grandson of Hall of Fame coach Don Shula who began his playing career in Cleveland.

Mike McDaniel (Former Dolphins Head Coach)

Status: Interviewed Monday, Jan 12th.
The Scoop: This would be McDaniel's second tour of Cleveland since he was a wide receivers coach back in 2014. Despite the struggles in Miami this season, he's still viewed as one of the most creative offensive minds in the NFL. McDaniel could be the jolt the Browns need to start scoring at a much higher rate.

John Harbaugh (Former Ravens Head Coach)

Status: Interview Requested. Finalizing deal to sign with the Giants.
The Scoop: The biggest fish in the pond. Since his shock firing, he has become the "dream hire" for the Cleveland fan base. Would he stay in division and play against his former Ravens squad twice a year?

Aden Durde (Seahawks Defensive Coordinator)

Status: Interviewed Friday, Jan. 9th
The Scoop: The "Wild Card." The British-born coach has led a dominant Seattle defense and is the most "outside-the-box" name on the list.

Dan Pitcher (Bengals Offensive Coordinator)

Status: Interviewed Friday, Jan. 9th
The Scoop: The "Division Rival" play. He has strong ties to GM Andrew Berry from their time together in Indianapolis. Young (39), embraces analytics, and has overseen a prolific scoring offense in Cincinnati. An intriguing option to create a dynamic Browns attack.

Tommy Rees (Browns Offensive Coordinator)

Status: Interviewed Thursday, Jan. 8th
The Scoop: The 33-year-old rising star. He took over play-calling in Week 10 and the front office is desperate to keep him, even if he doesn't get the HC job. This would be a tough sell to the fanbase that saw little to no improvement in the offense once Rees was in control.