Just when the Browns seemed to have solid ground after firing Kevin Stefanski, there's bad news.

Late on January 20th, ESPN Insider Adam Schefter reported on X that the Browns' head coach candidate and one of the favorites, Mike McDaniel, has refused the job and is joining the Chargers.

"Former Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel is expected to become the Chargers offensive coordinator barring a change of heart, per @JeffDarlington and me. McDaniel has informed other teams that they’re out, the Chargers clearly want him, and the two sides are having dinner tonight. But the expectation across the league is that McDaniel will be staying in LA."

He has chosen to become the offensive coordinator for the Chargers. He had a second interview scheduled with the Browns, but he chose to snub it, informing the team of his decision.

"Former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel informed the Browns he’s withdrawing from their head coaching search ahead of a scheduled in-person interview Wednesday, per sources," American journalist Tom Pelissero informed on X.

The move is a blow to the Browns but a significant gain for the Chargers. McDaniel is a brilliant offensive mind. He led Miami’s offense to the top 10 in the NFL for the first time since 1995, as the team finished 6th in total offense in 2022.

Under him, the Dolphins also led the NFL in total offense (401.3 yards per game) in the 2023 season. Justin Herbert definitely has a great mind on the sidelines now.

But What Does Mike McDaniel's Decision Mean For The Browns?

As of now, the Browns have interviewed 9 candidates for the head coaching job, including the former Dolphins head coach. Now, leaving him out leaves the Browns with:

• Tommy Rees
• Dan Pitcher
• Aden Durde
• Nate Scheelhaase
• Jesse Minter
• Grant Udinski
• Jim Schwartz
• Todd Monken

But not all of them are being considered for the job, as the team only requested Jim Schwartz and Todd Monken for a second interview. The former is the architect of the Browns' current defense, which recorded the franchise's second-highest sacks in a season with 53 sacks in 2025.

Monken, on the flip side, led the Ravens' offense to an elite level in his first two seasons (2023-24) with the team. They ranked first in red‑zone TD percentage (67.9%), rushing yards per game (172.1), and passer rating (110.8), and second in points per game (28.4), yards per play (6.3), and total yards per game (397.6).

Who's your pick for the next Browns' head coach?

Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar