The Cleveland Browns name doesn’t exactly carry with it much cachet. But their vacant head coaching position is actually one of the more attractive on the market in this cycle.
With Kevin Stefanski done in Cleveland after six up-and-down seasons, it’s time for a new era. Well, sort of. Whoever comes in will have to deal with a questionable front office led by Andrew Berry.
Apart from that, however, there is a lot to like about this job. First of all, expectations are extremely low. This is the Browns, and they’re going to be working in a new full-time starter, whether that’s Shedeur Sanders or some from outside the organization.
Sanders did look promising, and the right coach and support structure could definitely get the best out of him. Cleveland also has the No. 6 overall pick and a last-place schedule next season.
On top of that, they have one of the most talented defenses in the league, led by the best defensive player in the league, Myles Garrett. They also have some intriguing young offensive pieces in TE Harold Fannin Jr. And RB Quinshon Judkins. Add in a wideout or two and some reworking of the offensive line and you’ve got a solid team.
So, who should the Browns be targeting during this crucial NFL head coaching hiring cycle?
3. John Harbaugh
The most recent NFL head coach to hit the unemployment line, Harbaugh’s shtick got stale in Baltimore after that long at the helm. But a fresh start elsewhere could reinvigorate him and his new team. Much like his brother, Jim, did with the Chargers.
Harbaugh is more of a leader of men than an x’s and o’s guy, so he would need to find a solid OC alongside star DC Jim Schwartz. Harbaugh is also an Ohio native, which could factor in.
However, while this is a guy they should try to get, it’s very unlikely the Browns actually land Harbaugh. The division rivalry with his beloved Baltimore as well as the fact he’s already very likely to land with the Giants are standing in the way.
2. Klint Kubiak
Though he settled for the Seahawks’ OC job last cycle, Klint Kubiak was on a lot of head coaching lists in 2025. He’ll have an even better argument this time after managing Sam Darnold to 14 wins and turning Jaxon Smith-Njigba into a juggernaut at WR.
If the Browns draft a wideout at No. 6 as many suspect, Kubiak would be the guy you’d want at the helm. He’d be great for Shedeur Sanders’ development as well.
1. Kliff Kingsbury
He was very good the last couple of years in the nation’s capital, so it was a big surprise to see Kliff Kingsbury leave the Washington Commanders this cycle. But he’ll be looking to get back in a head coaching role, and the Browns should make him their belle of the ball.
Kingsbury seems just what the Browns need for many of the same reasons as Kubiak—but with a better and longer track record. He can scheme, he can develop, and with arguably the best DC in the league flanking him, Kingsbury would slot in perfectly in Northeast Ohio.