After just one season with the team, Freddie Kitchens was fired by the Browns. The Browns are now conducting interviews to find their next head coach. Here are five potential head coaching candidates for the Cleveland Browns. (Odds by oddsshark.com)
1. Josh McDaniels +200
Although he has passed on head coaching jobs over the last few years and the Patriots have not had the best offensive season, McDaniels is a favorite on the head coaching market for a few teams. He has been a talented offensive coordinator in the past and he has head coaching experience, even if he only lasted a year and a half with the Broncos.
There is no indication of whether McDaniels would want to leave New England, as he originally accepted the job with the Indianapolis Colts a few seasons ago, then decided against it. If he were to be interested in the Browns, he could get a hand in picking his boss and could also get more out of Baker Mayfield.
2. Mike McCarthy +300
After 13 seasons coaching for the Green Bay Packers, McCarthy did not have a job this season. He was a candidate for some jobs last season, but now is a hot name on the coaching market for his long-winded success in Green Bay. McCarthy won a Super Bowl and made the playoffs in nine of his 13 seasons with the Packers.
McCarthy will be a candidate for a few teams, but could be interested in working with the talented pieces the Browns have on offense. His work with Aaron Rodgers proves that he can make quarterbacks better, so Mayfield could see vast improvement if Cleveland decides to hire McCarthy.
3. Robert Salah +700
Salah is currently the defensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers. He has experience as an assistant with a few teams, but what really has put him on the radar for head coaching positions is the 49ers’ defensive play this season. They allow just 19.4 points per game. That wasn’t the case last season, as they had one of the worst scoring defenses in the league.
The Browns may be afraid of hiring someone, who just last year, was in charge of a struggling defensive unit. Salah is interviewing with the Browns on Wild Card Saturday, so he could win the Haslam family over early with a good interview.
4. Urban Meyer +600
Urban Meyer is another coach who was out of the game in 2019. He mastered the college game with three national titles, albeit with other issues in his programs. His health issues may be a concern for him getting back into coaching, but he has proven to be one of the best college football coaches of his era.
Cleveland may want to shake things up with their head coaching hire, which means Meyer could be a target. Ideally, they would get someone with head coaching experience in the pros, but Meyer can coach football well and that’s a start. Meyer will be a candidate for a few jobs if he is interested in coaching, but he is from Ohio.
5. Kevin Stefanski +500
The Vikings’ offense has been much more balanced this year and a lot of that is thanks to offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski. He has been with the Vikings for several years and had jobs with Penn and the Philadelphia Eagles before that. Minnesota just made him an offensive coordinator this year, but it has paid off.
Stefanski may not have the experience desired to help take the Browns to the next level. If the Browns do have any qualms with hiring Stefanski it could be that he has just one year as an offensive coordinator under his belt. Stefanski has shown he can coach well this year, but it may be a little bit too early for him to score a lead gig.