Cleveland Browns Tackle Rooney Rule in Head Coach Search
The Cleveland Browns are narrowing down their choices for a new head coach following the departure of Kevin Stefanski. They need to comply with the Rooney Rule, which mandates that teams interview at least two diverse candidates in person before making a hire. This requirement is crucial as the Browns finalize their selection process.
Cleveland Browns Head Coach Search and the Rooney Rule
The Browns initially had six finalists for the head coach position. However, the unexpected withdrawal of former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel has left them in a bind. McDaniel canceled his second interview with the Browns to accept a role as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator. His decision has put the Browns in a position where they now have only one minority candidate among the finalists.
Current Finalists and Interviews
As of now, the remaining five head coach candidates include:
- Jim Schwartz (Defensive Coordinator)
- Todd Monken (Ravens Offensive Coordinator)
- Jesse Minter (Chargers Defensive Coordinator)
- Grant Udinski (Jaguars Offensive Coordinator)
- Nate Scheelhaase (Rams Pass Game Coordinator)
Nate Scheelhaase is the only minority candidate still in contention after McDaniel’s exit. He is set to compete in the NFC Championship Game this Sunday, which means the Browns cannot interview him until at least Monday.
Compliance with the Rooney Rule
To comply with the Rooney Rule, the Browns must still interview another diverse candidate in person. One potential option is Aden Durde, the Seahawks’ defensive coordinator, who is also a minority. However, no second interview has been scheduled with Durde yet. The team can also consider candidates they have researched but not formally interviewed.
Coordinator Positions and Further Requirements
Beyond the head coach vacancy, the Browns must also observe the Rooney Rule for any coordinator positions they are looking to fill, including that of a quarterback coach. Currently, they have one coordinator vacancy following the departure of offensive coordinator Tommy Rees to join Stefanski in Atlanta.
Additional vacancies could arise depending on the decisions made regarding Jim Schwartz and special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone, as both are potential candidates for head coaching positions elsewhere.
As the Browns advance in their search, they remain focused on fulfilling the Rooney Rule while ensuring they secure the best candidate to lead their team into the next season.
