Forget the traditional hiring process, GM Andrew Berry is turning the Cleveland Browns head coaching search into an analytical gauntlet.
Between leaked reports of multi-part essays and grueling personality tests, the field has narrowed to those with the mental stamina to survive "The Process."
Let's look at the power rankings for the five remaining candidates.
5. Anthony Lynn (Commanders Run Game Coordinator)
The ultimate "floor" candidate. Lynn provides a veteran presence and satisfying Rooney Rule compliance after his Saturday interview, but his "old school" run-first philosophy feels like a pivot away from the high-octane modern offense Cleveland is desperate to build.
4. Todd Monken (Ravens OC)
A familiar face with a chip on his shoulder. Monken has the NFL pedigree and localized experience to stabilize a locker room, but at nearly 60, he’s the antithesis of the "young genius" trend ownership seems to be chasing.
More: Browns solve Rooney Rule crisis: Anthony Lynn interview clears way for head coach decision
3. Jim Schwartz (Browns DC)
The internal favorite. If Berry decides to listen to defensive stars like Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward and Grant Delpit then Schwartz would be the pick. However, it appears he is the break-glass-in-case-of-emergency hire. The DC is a known commodity who already commands the respect of the league's top-ranked defense.
2. Grant Udinski (Jaguars OC) - OUT
The 30-year-old phenom from Jacksonville suddenly removed himself from consideration on Monday morning per Adam Schefter. Udinski will return to the Jaguars if he doesn't land the Buffalo Bills head coaching job. Another dagger in the side of Berry's search.
1. Nate Scheelhaase (Rams Pass Game Coordinator)
The surprise frontrunner, and now the overwhelming favorite with Udinski backing out of consideration. Scheelhaase is the name everyone is whispering about. With his interview Monday set to satisfy the final hiring hurdles, the growing hype behind this Rams offensive guru being the hand-picked architect for Cleveland's next chapter is looking real.
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