The Opening Drive 1/20: Changes In Landscape Of Head Coaching Market Could Help the Browns Timeline
The Bills firing of Sean McDermott could slow down decisions in NFL's head coach search.
The 2026 head coaching cycle has become one for the ages, with longtime head coaches like John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin separating from jobs they have held for 18 and 19 years, respectively. On Monday, the Buffalo Bills decided to part ways with their longtime coach, Sean McDermott. As a result, Buffalo emerges as one of the most attractive head coaching openings in the NFL, thanks to having Josh Allen, a ready-made contender, along with stability and a clear path to winning quickly. This type of opening can significantly influence the dynamics of the hiring cycle. However, there are also some potential positives for the Cleveland Browns that could arise from this situation.
The Browns have identified six candidates for second interviews.
1) Grant Udinski
2) Jesse Minter
3) Mike McDaniel
4) Jim Schwartz
5) Todd Monken
6) Nate Scheelhaase
However, they are unable to complete the Rooney Rule requirements until after this weekend, as Nate Scheelhasse is still competing in the playoffs during conference championship weekend. Once this weekend concludes, they will be able to conduct an in-person interview with Scheelhasse.
This could put the Browns in a difficult position if they were ready to make a hire this week and wanted to get a jump on staffing. However, the firing of McDermott is likely to slow down the coaching market, as candidates will want to assess their chances of being interviewed for top positions before accepting other job offers. This delay in the hiring process benefits the Browns by reducing the likelihood of falling behind in their decision-making. Consequently, they will have more time to finalize their choice, which will likely be extended into next week.
Below you’ll find the latest in the BFB catalog for supporters to dig into. Click the link to become a supporter if you haven’t already, and enjoy all the latest from Browns Film Breakdown.
Latest Podcasts:
Bills Change Coaching Carousel Landscape, Chad O'Shea Departure, and More
Reaction to the NFL’s Divisional Round, and Clarifying the Browns Second Interview Targets
Jim Schwartz Buzz Growing, Grant Udinski Interview, and Divisional Playoff + CFB Picks
Latest Articles:
Opening Drive 1/17: Preparing For Grant Udinski - Background, Philosophy, Quotes and More
Opening Drive 1/16: One Quote That Summarizes NFL Success on Offense
While it did stop the Dolphins from hiring Jeff Hafley on Monday, the opening of the Buffalo position should slow the overall market. Candidates will want to know whether they are being interviewed in Buffalo, and teams may extend their interview process to explore McDermott as an option. Most importantly, the Browns should have the opportunity to be thorough in their second interviews and avoid the risk of being one of the last teams to make a hire.
Depending on who the Browns decide to hire, building a staff around the new head coach will be critical, especially if they go with a younger, less-proven coach. If this slows some teams down, it might allow the Browns to get through their second interviews and still be on par with the majority of the teams looking to land the best possible candidates to fill out their staff. If they are late in their decision, it puts them behind, but the Bills’ opening may have saved the Browns from having to rush things next week to stay competitive as they build out a surrounding staff.
The Buffalo opening also benefits the Browns by providing access to a larger, more plentiful coaching pool. With this opportunity, the Browns’ next head coach will have a better chance to assemble the staff he truly desires, rather than settling for what’s left available. This situation allows them to stay on pace with other teams in terms of hiring timelines and increases the number of coaches seeking new positions.
The Detroit Offensive Coordinator Position Goes to Drew Petzing
In a surprising move, the Detroit Lions have chosen Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator. This decision benefits the Cleveland Browns, as Petzing’s hiring creates one less appealing opportunity for other candidates, such as Mike McDaniels. With one less attractive position in the overall coaching landscape, the Browns gain some leverage as they focus on selecting their new offensive coach, whether that’s at head coach or offensive coordinator.
Browns Film Breakdown will return soon with some fresh content.
