CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: Cleveland Browns players celebrate around Defensive end Myles Garrett 95 of the Cleveland Browns in a game between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon168260104023
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 04: Cleveland Browns players celebrate around Defensive end Myles Garrett 95 of the Cleveland Browns in a game between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. Photo by Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA JAN 04 Browns at Bengals EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon168260104023
Jan 24, 2026, 5:11 PM CUT
Another Head Coach Ditches Browns as 42-Year-Old Joins Divisional Rivals
The Browns' hunt for a head coach hit another wall as a top candidate abruptly cancelled his interview, choosing a division rival instead.
Jesse Minter cancelled his second interview with the Browns just because the Baltimore Ravens’ offer was on the table. He signed a five-year deal with the divisional rivals, forcing Cleveland to continue its head coaching search.
The Browns’ insider, Mary Kay Cabot, revealed the reason behind Minter choosing the Ravens over the Browns.
“Minter, 42, knew he had a better chance of landing the Ravens’ head coach gig than the Browns’, a source said. The feeling on the part of some of the Browns candidates is that they’re seeking an offensive-minded head coach to revive that side of the ball, or they’ll promote defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz," said Cabot.
Noticing Cleveland’s uncertainty at the quarterback position and the overall direction of its offense, Minter saw a clearer path as Baltimore’s head coach.
Just a few days ago, Mike McDaniel abruptly withdrew his name from the scheduled interview with the Browns. Legendary Dan Shula’s son, Chris Shula, also replied with a blunt “no thanks” when Andrew Berry requested him for an interview. Their coaching struggles get worse.
Cleveland Browns Head Coaching Tracker
With Minter becoming the third potential candidate to reject an interview, Cleveland’s defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, remains the top candidate to take the job. As an internal option, he offers continuity for their strong defense.
McDaniel, Minter, and Tommy Rees are no longer available, departing for their newly found franchises. On January 21, Rees joined the now former-Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski in Atlanta as their offensive coordinator.
Thankfully, along with Schwartz, Todd Monken (Ravens OC), Grant Udinski (Jaguars OC), and Nate Scheelhasse (Rams pass game coordinator) are also lined up for a second interview.
However, until Berry and the front office complete the Rooney Rule requirement, Cleveland will be without a head coach.
Written by
Kalp Thaker
Edited by
Sagnik Bagchi