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NFL News: Third Candidate Pulls Out of Cleveland Browns Coaching Search, Latest on Finalists
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- NFL News: Third Candidate Pulls Out of Cleveland Browns Coaching Search, Latest on Finalists
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Cleveland Browns coaching search took another turn Monday morning, with a third target believed to be a finalist removing his name from consideration. This development suggests the Browns' specific situation remains a hurdle in their search for a successor to Kevin Stefanski.
As reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN, Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski informed Cleveland on Monday morning that he has withdrawn from consideration for the job. He is signing a new deal with his current club, which includes a pay raise for the 2026 NFL season.
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However, the Browns' head-coaching vacancy is the only one he is taking himself out of the mix for. Udinski will still be pursuing the Buffalo Bills ' job and would leave Jacksonville for it if he's offered the position.
It becomes the third instance in the Browns coaching search where a top target pulled out of the mix. Udinski joins Mike McDaniel and Jesse Minter, both of whom have since taken other jobs, in outright rejecting Cleveland this offseason. There has also been reporting that Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula turned down an interview request from the team.
With Udinski off the board, the Browns coaching candidates moving forward include defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, Washington Commanders run game coordinator Anthony Lynn and former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
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Regarding Scheelhaase, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that team officials are in Los Angeles on Monday to meet with the Rams' passing game coordinator. With Udinski off the board, Scheelhaase might now be the favorite to become Cleveland's next head coach.
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