The Cleveland Browns have received a disappointing update on John Harbaugh.
The Cleveland Browns are in search of a head coach after firing Kevin Stefanski after six seasons. They expressed interest in former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh but received a disappointing update.
Coaching candidates believe that Harbaugh is down to taking a job with the New York Giants or Atlanta Falcons.
The Browns will now have to shift their focus to other coaching candidates.
They have interviewed defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher, Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, and former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel.
This is a pivotal time for Cleveland, as their next head coach will look to get the most out of the young core. The Browns had a great 2025 draft class, adding defensive tackle Mason Graham, linebacker Carson Schwesinger, running backs Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, tight end Harold Fannin, and quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
That young talent could help Cleveland develop into a playoff team under the right coach. The Browns also hold the 6th and 24th overall picks in the NFL Draft.
When the new head coach is brought in, they could have an imprint, along with general manager Andrew Berry, in addressing the team's holes. That includes adding a wide receiver, upgrading the offensive line, and potentially targeting a quarterback.
Gabriel appeared in 10 games, starting in six, completing 59.5 percent of his passes for 937 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions. He rushed for 86 yards on 14 attempts.
Sanders finished off the season for the Browns, starting in seven games and appearing in eight, completing 56.6 percent of his passes for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 169 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries.
Cleveland will need to determine whether to stick with Sanders or bring in a new quarterback through a trade, free agency, or the draft.
While bringing in a highly experienced coach like Harbaugh could've been beneficial for the Browns, they must turn their focus elsewhere in their search for a head coach.