All articles tagged with #head coach search
UNC Charlotte announced that head coach Aaron Fearne will not return and a national search for a new head coach is underway, with athletics director Kevin White and Chancellor Sharon Gaber emphasizing continued investment and high expectations for the program.
Jim Schwartz has resigned as the Browns' defensive coordinator after being passed over for the head coaching job, signaling a leadership change as the team pursues a new direction.
The Browns have eliminated Anthony Lynn and narrowed their head coach finalists to Jim Schwartz, Todd Monken and Nate Scheelhaase, with no rush to hire as contract details and staffing plans are worked out.
Nate Scheelhaase, 35, the Los Angeles Rams' passing game coordinator, is a finalist in the Cleveland Browns’ head coach search and has already interviewed. A former Illinois quarterback and four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, he has risen through college coaching to the NFL and helped the Rams post strong offensive numbers in 2024-25. If hired, he’d be tasked with revitalizing Cleveland’s offense and would join the growing group of young, McVay-connected coaches.
Buffalo has interviewed six candidates for its next head coach and was set to speak with Grant Udinski; unexpectedly, Philip Rivers is in the running, with reports that Rivers, Josh Allen, and Broncos QB Davis Webb share the same agent—an connection that could influence the Bills’ hire, even as Webb remains in the playoffs.
The Browns completed a second-round interview with Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski for their head coach opening; Udinski, 30, is the third candidate to receive a second interview after Jim Schwartz and Todd Monken, and he previously coached with the Vikings and Panthers before joining Jacksonville in 2025, where the offense posted strong numbers behind Trevor Lawrence before a wild-card playoff exit.
Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula and GM Brandon Beane say quarterback Josh Allen will have input in selecting the next head coach, and Allen has reportedly been involved from the early interview stage. It’s unclear whether he’s attending in person or via video, but the move signals a quarterback-led hiring approach as the Bills weigh a slate of candidates, including those with prior ties to Allen and veteran coaches who could mentor him.
The Steelers’ head-coach search is being conducted methodically, with early interviews of Scheelhaase and Shula and plans for in-person interviews during the Super Bowl bye week as they weigh McVay-tree candidates and others; the Penguins rely on extensive internal analytics for player development and opponent scouting, with some players questioning the public data and Evgeni Malkin possibly moving back to center; the Pirates are chasing offensive upgrades at third base, weighing free agents like Suarez against trades for prospects (Baty, Vientos) while navigating other roster moves and PiratesFest logistics.
Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter canceled his second interview for the Browns’ head-coaching job, keeping him in the mix for NFL HC openings and having previously been considered by the Cardinals, Raiders, and Ravens.
The Steelers’ head-coach search centers on four names—Chris Shula, Brian Flores, Mike McCarthy, and Nate Scheelhaase—with Scheelhaase emerging as a rising candidate who could also play a role on offense if Shula is hired. Flores remains a favorite due to past ties, though Minnesota’s extension complicates his chances; McCarthy offers stability with Saints-era front-office connections, and Shula brings a young, defensive-minded profile. Anthony Weaver is set for an in-person interview, and Pittsburgh plans to conduct more interviews as the process continues.
Mark Kaboly said on 93.7 The Fan that Mike McCarthy is the betting favorite to become the Steelers’ next head coach, though no decision has been made and the process could stretch into next week. Kaboly notes McCarthy’s quarterback-development background and Pittsburgh roots as positives, but the Steelers are being patient while interviews with two other candidates are delayed until Monday; if the Rams reach the Super Bowl, a hire likely won’t be announced before Feb. 8.
The Ravens are pursuing a patient, information-driven head coach search, speaking with a range of candidates and not rushing to match other teams’ timelines. They plan to finalize leadership with a strong plan and staff, while also aiming to secure Lamar Jackson’s contract extension before free agency and potentially lock in Zay Flowers long-term. The organization cites a measured process (citing the Harbaugh hiring in 2008) and emphasizes evaluating leadership, vision, and X’s-and-O’s during interviews, with top playoff coaches still available after postseason play.
The Bills have scheduled interviews with Joe Brady, Brian Daboll, and Anthony Lynn as they search for a replacement for fired coach Sean McDermott, with Lynn already connected to the franchise and both Brady and Daboll having prior Buffalo ties; more interviews could follow as the process continues.
Mike McDaniel told the Browns he is withdrawing from their head coaching search, leaving Cleveland to reassess options as the NFL coaching carousel persists and other teams pursue new coaches.
The Steelers are advancing their head-coach search by inviting Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver to a second in-person interview. At 45, Weaver brings 14 NFL coaching seasons and a proven defensive track record, including a Dolphins defense that ranked fourth in yards allowed (just over 314 per game) in 2025, making him an overqualified, potentially transformative fit to energize Pittsburgh’s defense.