Internal and external candidates have emerged as serious targets for the Browns as their head coaching search continues. The list of outside staffers firmly on the team’s radar continues to grow. 
Arrangements are being made for Cleveland to conduct a second interview with Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. The sides spoke on Friday, confirming Cleveland’s status as one of Minter’s numerous suitors. Each of the nine teams in the process of making a head coaching change have reached out to the up-and-coming staffer at least once.
This nevertheless represents the first instance in which a follow-up interview has been arranged in Minter’s case. It will be interesting to see if that changes over the coming days as every team except the Giants and Falcons ramps up its HC search. With the Chargers no longer in the postseason, Minter is free to speak remotely or in person with interested teams at any time. This Browns summit will be face-to-face, Rapoport notes to no surprise.
A three-time defensive coordinator at the college level, Minter, 42, won a national championship at Michigan in 2023. He then followed Jim Harbaugh to the NFL, taking on his current role with the Bolts. Los Angeles has boasted one of the league’s top defenses under Minter, finishing top-10 in points allowed during each of his two years in place. The team has particularly enjoyed strong play against the pass.
The Browns finished just 5-12 this season, but defensive shortcomings were not to blame. Cleveland ranked fourth in the NFL in yards allowed under Jim Schwartz, and retaining him remains a high priority for the team while Kevin Stefanski‘s replacement is sought out. Schwartz is a strong candidate to be promoted to head coach at this point, but Minter is one of several external options the Browns will attempt to meet with for a second time.
Via PFR’s HC Search Tracker, here is an updated look at where things stand for the Browns:
- Aden Durde, defensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed 1/9
- John Harbaugh, former head coach (Ravens): Rumored mutual interest; Interview requested
- Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/12; to conduct second interview 1/21
- Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator (Chargers): Interviewed 1/16; to conduct second interview
- Todd Monken, offensive coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed 1/10; to conduct second interview 1/20
- Dan Pitcher, offensive coordinator (Bengals): Interviewed 1/9
- Tommy Rees, offensive coordinator (Browns): Interviewed 1/8
- Nate Scheelhaase, pass game coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 1/16; second interview requested
- Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator (Browns): To conduct second interview 1/19; seen as favorite?
- Chris Shula, defensive coordinator (Rams): Interview requested
- Grant Udinski, offensive coordinator (Jaguars): Second interview requested