Even Kevin Stefanski has moved on to the Atlanta Falcons, but the Browns are still on the lookout for 'the one.'

While they’ve interviewed multiple candidates, with a few even sitting down for a second round, some, like Jesse Minter and Grant Udinski, dropped out.

But why? Why do candidates pick other teams over the Browns? The answer can be narrowed down to three factors.

The Browns’ quarterback situation is a mess

The head coach candidates are unsure who they would be working with. Shedeur Sanders? He threw seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Or Dillon Gabriel with his seven touchdowns and two interceptions.

Experts believe that Deshaun Watson, who has been a major disappointment, is out of the equation. 

After trading a seasoned player like Joe Flacco, the rookies neither had time to familiarize themselves with the team nor a strong offensive line they could fall back on. They ranked 31 out of 32 teams, with 80.3 PFF and the lowest pass blocking grade, 44.1. 

Columnist Jason Lloyd had opined that the candidate might reconsider this job after witnessing the scrutiny Kevin Stefanski had to deal with because of Sanders.

“He's not good enough to be the starter, and this organization is not stable and mature enough to have him as a backup... I think he's a really good kid, it's just the nonsense that comes with it,” he said, appearing on The Fan.

Fulfilling the Rooney Rule

The Rooney Rule is an NFL hiring policy that demands that franchises interview minority candidates for coaching staff and management positions.

So far, the Browns have interviewed Anthony Lynn, the running back coach from the Commanders. And Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins coach who is now the Chargers' offensive coordinator. 

The Browns are oscillating between interviewing candidate bound to improve their offensive unit and the hiring policy.

Adding salt to injury, a report by Pro Football Talk suggests that candidates have to write an essay and pass a personality test in a process “unlike any other in the NFL,” which “plays to certain types of candidates.”

The Fans are tired!

Add to this the growing frustration among fans. The Browns fans have flooded social media with calls for accountability. Hashtags and criticism asking GM Andrew Berry to take ownership of his hand in the downfall were trending for a while last December.

The recent booing incident this last season is also proof enough, and thus quite intimidating for a new HC. Additionally, an air of uncertainty about GM Berry’s job looms large, as the Browns still stand without a head coach.

Do you think they would find an the right head coach in time and start fixing themselves? Any recommendations?

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Joyita Das