A new report reveals that the Cleveland Browns hosted Washington Commanders RB coach Anthony Lynn for an interview
The Cleveland Browns search for a new head coach reportedly reached a critical stage, where a decision should be on the horizon.
One important hurdle stood in the way of Cleveland finalizing their decision, though, in that the franchise had yet to comply with the NFL's Rooney Rule. Now, according to a report, that shouldn't be an issue.
NFL insider Josina Anderson revealed late Saturday night that Washington Commanders running back coach Anthony Lynn had an interview with the Browns for their vacant head coach role. Lynn also interviewed with the Buffalo Bills on Saturday as the team itself confirmed. The Browns have not yet confirmed their interview with Lynn. Her report was confirmed Sunday morning by ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Lynn once served as the Browns running backs coach from 2007-2008. He has previous head coaching experience, having served as the Los Angeles Chargers head man from 2017-2020 under then GM Tom Telesco, who is reportedly helping Browns Vice President of Football Operations and GM Andrew Berry, in an advisory role, with this search.
It sets the stage for Cleveland to be Rooney Rule compliant in the coming days. Team brass is expected to meet with Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase in LA on Monday, which would officially fulfill the rule.
The Rooney Rule requires all 32 teams to hold in-person interviews with at least two minority or female candidates for top level jobs, including head coach, general manager and even coordinator positions. Teams are prohibited from making a hire until they satisfying that requirement, which has become a major point of contention in the Browns search.
Earlier in the week, ex-Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel was supposed to interview for the job in person and would have satisfied one half of the rule. McDaniel, however, canceled his interview as he prepares to take the Chargers offensive coordinator job.
Because Cleveland had yet to satisfy the Rooney Rule to this point, there was concern, externally, that they could miss out on hiring one of their top candidates to other teams.
Scheelhaase was always expected to be the second Rooney Rule qualified interview for Cleveland, and is considered to have a legitimate shot at earning the job, along with Jacksonville Jaguars 30-year-old OC Grant Udinski and veteran defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
The stage is now set for the Browns to know and potentially make their finally decision following Monday's interview with Scheelhaase. If it's anyone but Scheelhaase they will be able to pull the trigger this week, but hiring the Rams' rising star will depend on the result of Sunday's NFC championship game and whether or not Los Angeles advances to the Super Bowl.