The Cleveland Browns are currently undergoing their 2026 head coaching search
to find the next leader to lead the team for the 2026 NFL Season. So far, the team has interviewed multiple candidates; some have dropped out of consideration to take other jobs, while others are still undergoing the interview process. As we are deep into the interview process, here are the takeaways from this current situation:No definitive answer at QB= Hesitancy from candidates
To the surprise of no one, the Browns currently do not have a long-term answer at quarterback.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson is still on the roster and hasn’t lived up to the expectations placed upon him, and rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel haven’t inspired much confidence. The uncertainty at the position, has caused most candidates to have some hesitancy about taking the job. It’s fair for them to have this concern.
The current QB draft class has one top option, as Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza is QB1 in this class, with QB2 likely Alabama QB Ty Simpson, as Oregon QB Dante Moore opted to go back to school for another year. Gabriel is a backup at this point, while Sanders hasn’t shown enough to prove that he can be the guy to lead a franchise. It’s unfortunate, but it’s the situation the team is in right now.
Right Approach but flawed process
As of now, the Browns have interviewed double-digit number of candidates, but that list has dwindled due to the other candidates taking other jobs, whether it’s being an offensive coordinator (ex-Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel) or being a head coach (former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter). The front office is taking the right approach in looking for their head coach, but their issue is the process. The Browns aren’t interviewing every single coach that’s unemployed, but they are looking for coaches who they believe are the right people for the job.
The issue? Honoring the spirit of the Rooney Rule that is in place, but not the specific requirements, quickly. The Rooney rule is flawed in its own right, but you can’t fault the team for wanting to interview minority candidates that they believe in to lead their team instead of finding candidates to fulfill a requirement. The team had to find minority candidates, as they did this weekend, just to fulfill that rule, but the issue was finding said candidates who want to be interviewed and won’t believe the interview is a sham later in the process than most teams.
Fans are impatient/frustrated
Is it fair for the fans to be impatient with the process? Yes and no. Yes, the fans want the team to hire their coach so that the process is over. No, the fans shouldn’t be frustrated because they have to understand the situation. As mentioned, the Browns aren’t an attractive spot. It’s the reality, but rushing through the process isn’t a good strategy.
View this situation as dating. Finding the right partner takes time and energy. It’s not the same as finding a coach for a football team, but its close. The Browns have their candidates, but they have to make sure the candidates they want are capable of leading their team. In the end, no one will know if the hire is good when it happens anyway. It will all be conjecture.
Remember, Hue Jackson was the prize candidate when Cleveland hired him, and we all know how that turned out.
When it comes to frustration, it’s more about fans being frustrated with the front office, with many still wanting GM Andrew Berry fired. Frustration is understandable, but this is the reality of the situation:
- The job is not that appealing due to many factors
- Young, upcoming candidates are more likely to get the job than experienced coaches
- The team shouldn’t be in a rush to get a candidate
The team will get clarity with the position soon, but for the fans who are impatient, relax. It will get done sooner rather than later. Will they make the right choice? We won’t know that for a couple of seasons, most likely.
