Harbaugh, McDaniel, Schwartz: The 2026 Browns dream coaching staff that just became possible

Andy McNamara

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Harbaugh, McDaniel, Schwartz: The 2026 Browns dream coaching staff that just became possible image

With John Harbaugh and Mike McDaniel officially on the market, the Cleveland Browns have a chance to build the ultimate coaching 'super staff.' It's the trio that could finally save Cleveland in 2026.

ESPN host Aaron Goldhammer laid out a plausible scenario that would surely get the Dawg Pound barking with joy.

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This combination would keep Cleveland's stellar defensive strategy intact with Schwartz. McDaniel provides the jolt to an offense that ranked 31st in points scored. Harbaugh demands respect as a Super Bowl winning head coach, and his strong special teams background can turn that unit from a liability to a strength.

"Do you think Myles Garrett feels better about the direction of the Browns if that's the staff?", Goldhammer quipped.

"I would trust that McDaniel would have some say over personnel, and that you would potentially nail this draft with some sexy skill position and offensive line talent." He continued, "Harbaugh could be the special teams coach. You see, that is the triumvirate!"

A lot has to occur for this dream team to fall into place.

As I wrote earlier on AllSportsPeople, Harbaugh has a hefty list of demands that owner Jimmy Haslam would need to meet to make this possible.

Those demands include a staggering $30-million annual commitment--a $20-million salary for himself, plus a massive $10-million budget for assistant coaches. More importantly, Harbaugh is reportedly demanding final say over the 53-man roster, and the right to pick his own personnel "guy"/new general manager.  

Haslam isn't shy about swinging big. Landing this coaching threesome would be the biggest splash of the NFL offseason.

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Editorial Team