The Pittsburgh Steelers will not hire one of the Los Angeles Rams’ up-and-coming assistants to be their next head coach. Not after tabbing Mike McCarthy for that role. The Steelers’ decision opens the door for the Cleveland Browns to make a run at them instead. Per SI’s Albert Breer, the Browns have scheduled a second interview with Rams’ pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase next week.

Per Breer, the interview will take place in California no matter if the Rams win or lose against the Seattle Seahawks in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game.

The Browns have scheduled a second interview with Rams pass-game coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase for Monday, regardless of whether Los Angeles wins or loses tomorrow, per source. The interview will take place in California, either way.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 25, 2026

Scheelhaase and Rams’ defensive coordinator Chris Shula virtually interviewed for the Steelers’ head coach jobs. Neither received an in-person interview. Despite having no competition for Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh agreed to a five-year contract with him on Saturday. Had the team waited into next week, they would’ve had an opportunity to have a face-to-face with Shula, Scheelhaase, or both.

For the past week, Scheelhaase has been considered a finalist for Cleveland’s head job. The Browns’ search has been difficult with several candidates pulling themselves out of the running, but it seems Cleveland is targeting a young and offensive-minded coach. The team has also expressed interest in 30-year-old Jacksonville Jaguars OC Grant Udinski and Cincinnati Bengals OC Dan Pitcher. All with the goal of retaining DC Jim Schwartz, something that wouldn’t be feasible if the team hired a defensive-minded head man.

Scheelhaase has spent just two years in the NFL but has quickly risen up the ranks under Sean McVay. Though just 35, he already has play calling experience from his 2023 season as offensive coordinator under Iowa State’s Matt Campbell. This year or next, Scheelhaase seems destined to become a head coach and another branch of McVay’s tree.

If the Browns hire Scheelhaase, they’ll face the Steelers twice per season. It would provide a clear test of which franchise made the better hire.