Lynn’s inclusion came as part of the team’s ongoing Rooney Rule controversy, following Mike McDaniel backing out before a second interview and amid reports that the Lynn interview did not meet the spirit of the Rule.
With Lynn out, the Browns’ candidate pool is down to three: Jim Schwartz, Todd Monken, and Nate Scheelhaase, according toMary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Cabot noted that Cleveland did more homework on the three on Tuesday and that a decision could still come that night, though no announcement had been made by late Tuesday.
Nate Scheelhaase is the most inexperienced of the trio, at 35 and with no prior head coaching experience. He has spent nine years coaching in college football, with only one year as an offensive coordinator at Iowa State, and two seasons with the Rams, making this a high-risk, high-reward pick for a team in need of an offensive overhaul.
Todd Monken and Jim Schwartz bring veteran credentials to the race. Monken is recognized as an innovative offensive mind but has limited head coaching experience and previously spent a year with Cleveland in 2019. Schwartz, praised within the locker room for his defensive leadership, is viewed by many as a strong candidate who could either become head coach or return as defensive coordinator if not chosen. The Browns’ search continues to unfold as they weigh a path forward without a clear timeline.
