What to Know About Browns Head Coach Candidate Nate Scheelhaase
The Cleveland Browns are narrowing down their options for the head coaching position, with Nate Scheelhaase emerging as a top candidate. Currently 35 years old, Scheelhaase serves as the passing game coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams and has already undergone an interview for the role in Cleveland.
Who is Nate Scheelhaase?
Nathan “Nate” Scheelhaase hails from Kansas City, Missouri, where he grew up as a dedicated Kansas City Chiefs fan. He attended Rockhurst High School, excelling in multiple sports, particularly football where he played quarterback. His father, Nate Creer, was a noted cornerback at the University of Iowa.
High School Achievements
- Gatorade Player of the Year in Missouri (2007)
- Led his team to a 13-0 record and a state championship
- Named First Team All-Metro and won the Thomas A. Simone Award
Scheelhaase’s strong performances in high school earned him a four-star recruit ranking from Rivals.com. He set multiple records and garnered numerous accolades, including selection as a SuperPrep All-American.
College Career
Choosing to play for the University of Illinois, Scheelhaase faced significant transitional challenges in his early coaching years. He was redshirted as a freshman but soon became the starting quarterback in 2010. Over his career, he accumulated impressive stats:
- Overall passing yards: 10,634
- Career rushing yards (by a quarterback): 2,066
- Career touchdowns: 64
Despite his college success, he went undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft and briefly worked as a youth pastor before shifting his focus to coaching.
Coaching Journey
Scheelhaase began his coaching career at the University of Illinois, quickly advancing from assistant director of football operations to a coaching position under Lovie Smith. His experience continued to evolve as he joined Iowa State as the running backs coach and eventually became the offensive coordinator.
Performance at Los Angeles Rams
In 2024, Scheelhaase contributed to the Rams’ offense, which ranked 15th overall with notable strengths in the passing game. Highlights include:
- 4,096 passing yards (#10 in NFL)
- 22 passing touchdowns (#17)
- Finished with 31 sacks allowed (#6)
The following season, under his leadership, the Rams excelled significantly, leading the league in total offense with impressive statistics:
- 4,707 passing yards (#2 in NFL)
- 46 passing touchdowns (#1)
- 23 sacks allowed (#2)
Future Prospects
As the Browns consider their next steps in rebuilding their offensive strategy, Scheelhaase represents a promising option as a head coach. If hired, he would be the first Browns coach recognized for his success as a high school player, further underscoring his local ties and appeal.
With a second interview scheduled, Scheelhaase’s advancements within the Rams’ organization indicate he could effectively address the issues currently plaguing the Browns, specifically the quarterback and offensive line challenges.
