{"id":714262,"date":"2026-01-29T15:35:22","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T15:35:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/714262\/"},"modified":"2026-01-29T15:35:22","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T15:35:22","slug":"browns-power-struggle-leaks-out-after-dysfunctional-coaching-search","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/714262\/","title":{"rendered":"Browns power struggle leaks out after dysfunctional coaching search"},"content":{"rendered":"

As if things couldn\u2019t get weirder in Cleveland, it now appears that the Browns are having a power struggle between general manager Andrew Berry and owner Jimmy Haslam.<\/p>\n

After experiencing difficulty hiring a head coach, the team eventually settled on former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken<\/a>, but Browns reporter and ESPN radio host Tony Grossi pointed out the owner ignored the advice of a search committee.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis indicates that Haslam was never comfortable with [Rams passing game coordinator Nate] Scheelhaase, and he went against the recommendation of his search committee leader and GM,\u201d Grossi said Wednesday on the Cleveland-based radio program.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, you got to wonder about the future of Andrew Berry \u2013 this is all on Haslam.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"ClevelandBrowns owner Jimmy Haslam apparently made the call to bring in Todd Monken. Diamond Images\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

“This indicates that Haslam was never comfortable with Shceelhaase and he went against the recommendation of his search committee leader and GM,” \u2013 @TonyGrossi<\/a> on the Browns hiring Todd Monken. pic.twitter.com\/m9zrMafquj<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) January 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Three candidates withdrew from consideration<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

It initially appeared that every head coaching candidate would need to keep defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz \u2014 also a candidate \u2014 on their staff, but it now appears he is upset<\/a> that he didn\u2019t get the top job and said his goodbyes inside the building Wednesday.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs Schwartz the DC or not? That would help me accept [Monken being the head coach],\u201d Grossi said. \u201cIf he\u2019s not, you\u2019re going to get an offensive coordinator or defensive coordinator off the grid.\u201d<\/p>\n

Scheelhaase, the Rams\u2019 35-year-old passing game coordinator, was a finalist for this job and also interviewed for the Bills\u2019 vacancy, but will likely to return to Los Angeles for the 2026 season.<\/p>\n

\"AndrewAndrew Berry appears to have wanted Nate Scheelhaase as head coach. Diamond Images\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

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\u2019s staff.<\/p>\n

One of Monken\u2019s first orders of business will be figuring out the quarterback situation this season, with Deshaun Watson, Dillon Gabriel and Pro Bowl quarterback Shedeur Sanders<\/a> on the roster.<\/p>\n

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