Updated Browns HC Search Rumors on Jim Schwartz, Top Candidates After John Harbaugh Hired by Giants

The Cleveland Browns appear to be narrowing their search for their next head coach as second interviews have been lined up.

Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported on Monday that "Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz seems to be gaining momentum in their head coach search."

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter previously reported Schwartz and Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase are the top candidates for Cleveland's head coaching job.

However, Cabot also noted Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken remains a candidate for the position:

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported earlier on Monday that Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski has withdrawn from the Browns' head-coaching job "on the heels of agreeing to a new deal with Jacksonville." The Browns announced Jan. 16 that Udinski had completed his second interview.

The Browns announced on Sunday they interviewed Washington Commanders running backs coach Anthony Lynn on Saturday.

Schwartz reportedly was set for a second interview with the Cleveland Browns on Monday, according to Schefter. Schefter also reported that Scheelhaase was set to receive a second interview as well.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler first reported that Monken would interview for the second time on Jan. 20.

Cabot first reported that Schwartz would have a second interview while noting that offensive coordinator Tommy Rees was not expected to receive a second head coaching interview with the team.

The Browns announced previously interviewed Jesse Minter, who eventually agreed to become head coach of the Baltimore Ravens.

In addition to Schwartz, Rees and Scheelhaase, the Browns have also interviewed Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher, Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde and former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel for their head coaching job.

Schwartz, 59, has been the Browns' defensive coordinator for the past three seasons under Stefanski, who was fired as head coach of the Browns at the conclusion of the 2025 regular season.

Defense has been the Browns' strength during Schwartz's tenure, as they ranked first in total defense in 2023, 19th in 2024 and fourth this season.

Cleveland also ranked third in the NFL with 53 sacks this season, led by superstar pass-rusher Myles Garrett, who set the NFL single-season sack record with 23.

Schwartz has had stints as a defensive coordinator with the Browns, Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles. As a DC, his units have finished in the top 10 in total defense on eight different occasions.

He also has NFL head coaching experience, serving in that role with the Detroit Lions from 2009 to 2013.

Schwartz posted a 29-51 record with one playoff appearance in five seasons with the Lions.

The Browns are coming off a 5-12 season and they have missed the playoffs in back-to-back years after making it with an 11-6 record in 2023.

During Stefanski's six years as head coach, the Browns made the playoffs twice after previously having not reached the postseason since 2002.

Although Stefanski's tenure in Cleveland has come to an end, he raised the standard within the Browns organization, and the next head coaching hire will be tasked with continuing that positive momentum.