Browns Rumors on HC Finalists as Search Beings to 'Wind Down' with 2nd Interviews

Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and Los Angeles Rams pass-game coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase are reportedly "finalists" for the Cleveland Browns' head-coaching vacancy as they begin to "wind down" their search, according to insider Jordan Schultz.

He added that the Browns, who are now onto the second-interview phase of their search, are interested in targeting younger candidates who they believe are future coaching stars.

Previous reporting also indicated that Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and the team's current defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, were receiving second interviews.

Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com also reported that Scheelhaase, Udinski, Minter, Monken and Schwartz were the five candidates receiving second interviews (Scheelhaase doesn't currently have an interview scheduled and can't be interviewed until next week since the Rams are still in the playoffs).

She added that the Browns are "doing their homework on fired Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott, but are more locked in on their five finalists getting second interviews this week and next."

Finally, she noted that the team is "very intrigued" by the young Udinski, writing that he has a "great reputation with everyone who's worked with him, and is mature beyond his 30 years. He has a commanding presence, a worldly background, and brilliant mind. The Browns have some excellent inside intel on Udinski from some of their former colleagues with the Minnesota Vikings, including general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, former Browns vice president of football operations."

Both Cabot and Schultz noted that the Browns are hoping to retain Schwartz as the defensive coordinator if they go another route at head coach, though adding a defensive mind like Minter probably would mean parting ways with Schwartz. It remains to be seen if the incumbent defensive coordinator would remain in Cleveland if he doesn't get a head-coaching gig.

The reality for the Browns is that they aren't one of the more appealing openings given their unsettled quarterback situation. In that regard, taking a chance on one of the younger, potentially high-upside candidates would make sense.