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Browns' Coaching Search: Top Contenders Emerge

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 3:11 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Ohio, UNITED STATES

Browns' Coaching Carousel: A Deep Dive into the Search for a New Leader

Cleveland, Ohio - February 11th, 2026 - The Cleveland Browns find themselves in a familiar position: searching for a new head coach. Following the dismissal of Kevin Stefanski on January 9th, 2026, the team has embarked on an exhaustive search, interviewing a diverse pool of candidates ranging from seasoned veterans to rising offensive minds. This article provides an in-depth look at the process, the contenders, and what the Browns organization hopes to achieve with their next hire.

The firing of Stefanski, while not entirely unexpected after a disappointing 2025 season that saw the Browns finish 7-10, still sent ripples through the league. While Stefanski brought stability and a playoff appearance in 2020, inconsistencies in offensive performance and an inability to consistently compete against top-tier opponents ultimately led to his removal.

Since January 9th, the Browns' front office, led by General Manager [assume GM name for context - e.g., Andrew Berry], has been aggressively pursuing potential replacements. The initial flurry of requests to interview candidates painted a clear picture: the Browns are heavily prioritizing offensive leadership. As of today, February 11th, 2026, the team has formally requested interviews with an impressive list including Jim Harbaugh, Mike Vrabel, Jon Gruden, Luke Getsinger, Ben Johnson, Greg Bidow, Brian Daboll, Zach Taylor, Ken Dorsey, Justin Outten, and Brian Callahan.

The Frontrunners & Dark Horses

The coaching landscape is fluid, but several names have emerged as consistent frontrunners. Jim Harbaugh, fresh off a national championship at Michigan, represents a compelling option. His NFL experience with the San Francisco 49ers, coupled with his proven ability to build a winning program, makes him a highly desirable candidate. However, questions remain about his adaptability to the professional game after a prolonged period in college football. His reported desire for significant personnel control could also be a point of contention.

Mike Vrabel, recently released from his post with the Tennessee Titans, brings a different profile. A former Super Bowl participant as a coach, Vrabel is known for his tough, defensive-minded approach and ability to motivate players. While his firing in Tennessee raises some eyebrows, many attribute it to organizational issues rather than his coaching abilities. He's a safer, more established option than Harbaugh, but lacks the offensive pedigree the Browns seem to be emphasizing.

The potential return of Jon Gruden remains a fascinating - and controversial - possibility. Despite the past controversies surrounding his emails, Gruden's proven track record, including a Super Bowl victory with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, cannot be ignored. The Browns would have to carefully weigh the potential public relations fallout against his coaching experience.

Beyond these established names, several offensive coordinators are gaining traction. Ben Johnson of the Detroit Lions has been a hot commodity for the past two seasons and continues to be highly sought after. His innovative offensive schemes and success in developing quarterback Jared Goff make him an attractive prospect. Brian Callahan, the Bengals' offensive coordinator, boasts a successful track record working with Joe Burrow, and would likely implement a similar passing-focused attack in Cleveland. The younger, up-and-coming coaches like Luke Getsinger (Bears) and Justin Outten (Broncos) offer potential long-term growth, although they lack the head coaching experience the Browns might be seeking.

What's Driving the Search?

The Browns' coaching search isn't just about finding someone who can draw up plays. Ownership, led by [assume owner's name - e.g., Jimmy Haslam], is looking for a leader who can fundamentally reshape the team's culture. They want a coach who can consistently develop young talent - particularly at the quarterback position, which has been a persistent challenge in Cleveland - and foster a winning environment. Furthermore, connecting with the passionate but often-disappointed Browns fanbase is paramount.

The emphasis on offensive coaching suggests the organization believes they have a solid defensive foundation. The Browns have invested heavily in defensive players in recent years and are hoping to find a coach who can unlock the offense's potential. Ultimately, the goal remains unchanged: to bring a Super Bowl championship to Cleveland. The next few weeks will be crucial as the Browns evaluate their options and determine who will lead them into a new era.