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In an unexpected twist in Cleveland, a power tussle seems to be unfolding between Browns general manager Andrew Berry and team owner Jimmy Haslam.
After facing challenges in securing a new head coach, the Browns ultimately appointed former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. However, Browns reporter and ESPN radio host Tony Grossi highlighted that Haslam disregarded the search committee’s counsel during the selection process.
“It appears Haslam was never confident in [Rams passing game coordinator Nate] Scheelhaase, choosing to bypass the recommendation from his search committee and GM,” Grossi remarked on a Cleveland radio broadcast.
“This situation raises questions about Andrew Berry’s future with the team – it’s all on Haslam’s shoulders,” he added.
Three candidates withdrew from consideration for the job, with reports trickling out that the Browns were forcing prospective coaches to submit essays and do personality tests as part of the coaching search.
It initially appeared that every head coaching candidate would need to keep defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz — also a candidate — on their staff, but it now appears he is upset that he didn’t get the top job and said his goodbyes inside the building Wednesday.
“Is Schwartz the DC or not? That would help me accept [Monken being the head coach],” Grossi said. “If he’s not, you’re going to get an offensive coordinator or defensive coordinator off the grid.”
Scheelhaase, the Rams’ 35-year-old passing game coordinator, was a finalist for this job and also interviewed for the Bills’ vacancy, but will likely to return to Los Angeles for the 2026 season.
Before securing the top Browns job, it was expected Monken would land in New York as the offensive coordinator on new Giants coach John Harbaugh’s staff.
One of Monken’s first orders of business will be figuring out the quarterback situation this season, with Deshaun Watson, Dillon Gabriel and Pro Bowl quarterback Shedeur Sanders on the roster.