The Browns' head coach hunt just drags, as one more candidate pulls out of it.

A few days ago, Mike McDaniel had cancelled his second interview with the Browns, and now it's Grant Udinski. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported the development on January 26th.

"Jaguars OC Grant Udinski is withdrawing from the #Browns’ head-coaching search on the heels of agreeing to a new deal with Jacksonville, source says. The Jags are allowing him to pursue the #Bills’ job, though he will be back with Liam Coen & Co. if he doesn’t land in Buffalo," he posted on X.

The Jaguars' offensive coordinator first interviewed with the Browns on January 17th. He was the third candidate the Browns conducted a second-round interview with (January 23rd).

Udinski would have been a great option for the Browns because of his offensive mind. With him as the OC, the Jaguars finished the regular season sixth in the league in points per game at 27.9 and 11th in total offense with 5,735 total yards while averaging 337.4 yards per game.

QB Trevor Lawrence finished the regular season completing 341 of 560 passing attempts for 4,007 passing yards and 29 touchdowns. He also added 359 rushing yards and nine touchdowns with Grant Udinski as the offensive coordinator. Why did he opt out of the Browns?

NFL Insider, Tom Pelissero, thus weighed in, "Udinski has a new deal in place with Jacksonville that will bump his pay for next season, but the Jaguars are allowing him to continue pursuing the Bills’ HC job. If Udinski doesn’t get the Buffalo job, he will be back with the Jaguars as OC."

What Does Grant Udinski Exiting Leaves the Browns With?

Excluding Udinski, the Browns have conducted second interviews with three more candidates:

• Nate Scheelhaase: Rams Pass Game Coordinator

• Todd Monken: Ravens Offensive Coordinator

• Jim Schwartz: Browns Defensive Coordinator

Now, Browns beat journalist, Mary Kay Cabot, has reported, "One league source tells me tonight that DC Jim Schwartz seems to be gaining momentum in the #Browns head coach search. Stay tuned."

Schwartz is the guy who revolutionized the Browns' defense. With him as DC, the team recorded its second-highest sacks in a season (53). Over his first three seasons, the Browns rank first in total yards per game (298.6), opponent first downs allowed per game (16.5), third down percentage (33.8%), and fourth down percentage (41.2 %).

The list continues to first downs per pass attempt (30.9 percent) and most team tackles-for-a-loss (342), and total passing yards per game (181.5).

What are your thoughts about him as Cleveland's new head coach?

Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Joyita Das