The Cleveland Browns are doing so badly in 2024 that it wouldn’t surprise anyone if they went through a more serious coaching change. Trading Kevin Stefanski and possibly GM Andrew Berry may not be the move that will completely turn them around, but there is a case to be made for such a drastic decision.

While there are rumors suggesting the Browns won’t make any coaching changes in 2025, a lot can change in six weeks. The Browns could look around the league to find the next great offensive innovator or defensive motivator.

The Browns would do well to look at each of these six candidates, compare and contrast them with Stefanski, and decide which coach is better suited to lead this team in the future.

6. Matt Nagy, OK, Kansas City Chiefs

Nagy could get another shot at the head coaching position since he won more than 60% of his games when Mitch Trubisky was his starting quarterback in Chicago. If he goes to Cleveland, he could have a solid team to work with and his offensive background could help improve the starting quarterback position.

5. Scottie Montgomery, AHC/RB coach, Detroit Lions

As a former college coach at East Carolina, Montgomery was instrumental in developing the “Sonic and Knuckles” backfield of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Hiring associate head coaches is the same philosophy that brought Dan Campbell to Detroit, and it could help the Browns find their next leader.

4. Jesse Minter, DC, Los Angeles Chargers

Minter led a historically effective defense at Michigan and his Chargers unit ranked near the top of the league in many key areas during his first season with Los Angeles. It could be very interesting for him to sign Minter players like Denzel Ward and Myles Garrett, assuming he ends up getting the offensive coordinator job.

3. Joe Brady, OC, Buffalo Bills

After stumbling in his first OC job with the Panthers, Brady has been reborn with the Bills, while Josh Allen continues his MVP-level play. Hiring Brady isn’t a guarantee of success, but he will ensure the Browns have elite quarterback play and a consistent passing attack in 2024.

2. Brian Flores, DC, Minnesota Vikings

During his time in Miami, Flores was able to win at an average pace, but his bombastic personality and mismanagement of quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa got the better of him. Equipped with experience and some offensive talent that he poached from Minnesota, Flores built the Browns into a strong team that no one wants to compete against.

1. Mike Vrabel, former HC, Tennessee Titans

Vrabel, hired by the team as a consultant, built a consistent winner at Tennessee despite some subpar offensive talent outside of Derrick Henry and a front office that believed Treylon Burks was as good as AJ Brown. Vrabel gives the Browns a foundational skill set they need to survive in the AFC North.