After failing to make the playoffs in back-to-back seasons with a combined record of 8-26, the Cleveland Browns have fired head coach Kevin Stefanski. Cleveland QB Shedeur Sanders started the final seven games of the regular season, drawing attention to his father Deion Sanders as a potential replacement.
Could Sanders actually become the Browns’ next head coach? Let’s look at the latest projected odds on PrizePicks Team Picks and circle the top three Cleveland head coach candidates.
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Is Deion Sanders a Browns Head Coach Candidate?
Browns general manager Andrew Barry complimented his young QB's progress, signaling that he could maintain a solid chance to keep the starting job in 2026.
“He’s still very much a work in progress, like many rookie quarterbacks are," Barry said. "But I think we saw some really good things in terms of his playmaking, his accuracy, his ability to extend plays with his feet.”
After Deion Sanders coached his son for two years at Colorado, speculation of a reunion on the Browns are unavoidable. Frankly, however, there’s little substance behind it. There are no official reports of interest or news of Sanders landing an interview to be the Browns' next head coach.
PrizePicks Team Picks gives Deion a gaudy 16.66x payout to be the next lead man in Cleveland. While the Browns hiring Sanders would feel like your favorite soap opera, it doesn’t appear too likely.
Let’s look at the true favorites to be the Browns’ next head honcho.
NFL Futures: Top Browns Next Head Coach Candidates
Five Browns head coach candidates stand out from the pack on PrizePicks Team Picks, where you can predict a candidate to land the job and earn real money if you're right.
- Jim Schwartz: 3.7x Yes | 1.23x No
- Mike McDaniel: 5.88x Yes | 1.07x No
- Klint Kubiak: 6.66x Yes | 1.06x
- Todd Monken: 7.69x Yes | 1.03x No
- Chris Shula: 7.69x Yes | 1.05x No
Team Picks data is live as of writing and is subject to change.
1: Jim Schwartz (Browns Defensive Coordinator)
The Browns are expected to interview both offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Schwartz has emerged as a legitimate candidate, potentially due to past head coaching experience.
From 2009 to 2013, he amassed a 29-51 record as head coach of the Lions. Detroit’s 10-6 record in 2011 was their only winning campaign and playoff appearance under Schwartz.
Since the veteran coach manned the Browns’ defensive coordinator job in 2023, Cleveland has allowed 22.6 (tied for 20th), 25.6 (T-27th), and 22.3 points per game (14th).
2: Mike McDaniel (Free Agent)
Mike McDaniel was the latest name on the chopping block, as the Miami Dolphins fired the four-year coach on Thursday. He could be a hot name on the open market. If McDaniel fails to land another head coaching job, teams figure to call with offensive coordinator opportunities.
The former 'Fins head coach is one of the best offensive minds in the NFL. In 2021, he led the San Francisco 49ers to 5.5 yards per play (tied for 11th) in his sole season as offensive coordinator.
Since 2022, Miami totaled 6.0 (third), 6.4 (second), 5.1 (tied for 22nd), and 5.4 (T-13th) yards per play under McDaniel. The Dolphins were first in total yards and second in scoring back in 2023.
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3: Klint Kubiak (Seahawks Offensive Coordinator)
Sticking with another offensive-minded coach, the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, is an emerging name on the market.
Kubiak in his third stint as an OC, and his work in Seattle has been his best yet. The unit totals 28.4 PPG (third), 5.9 yards per play (sixth), and 8.4 yards per pass (second).
In 2023, the son of Gary Kubiak (a Super Bowl-winning coach) was the passing game coordinator of the 49ers, leading the unit to 9.0 yards per attempt (first).
The Browns logged a measly 5.6 yards per pass attempt (31st) this season and may be looking to develop Sanders. Kubiak would be a candidate to help finally address the Cleveland air attack.
Who Will Be the Browns’ Next Head Coach?
Schwartz is listed as the favorite, but it’s difficult to overlook his 29-51 record with the Lions. He has 22 seasons under his belt as a defensive coordinator; this might be his ceiling in the NFL as a coach.
Speculation has emerged around Cleveland’s desire to bring in an offensive-minded head coach, as seen in The Adam Schefter Podcast. The Browns also requested an interview for Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who has the fourth-lowest payout to be the Browns' next head coach.
McDaniel (5.88x), Kubiak (6.66x), and Monken (7.69x) are the three favorites behind Schwartz. The writing on the wall alludes to Cleveland targeting an offensive guru, perhaps while retaining Schwartz as defensive coordinator.
Make Browns Head Coach Futures Picks on PrizePicks
Will Cleveland choose to make a familiar face in Schwartz their next head coach, or bring in an offensive savant to address the passing game?
You can make Browns next head coach picks on PrizePicks Team Picks and earn real money if you're correct. Make predictions on winners, spreads, over/unders, and futures, now available in 30 states.
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