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Ranking potential head coach candidates for the Cleveland Browns

By Dan Justik

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 24: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers reacts against the New Orleans Saints during the third quarter in the game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 24, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 24: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Carolina Panthers reacts against the New Orleans Saints during the third quarter in the game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on November 24, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 07: Head coach Lincoln Riley of the Oklahoma Sooners reacts after a touchdown touchdown against the Baylor Bears in the third quarter of the Big 12 Football Championship at AT&T Stadium on December 7, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 07: Head coach Lincoln Riley of the Oklahoma Sooners reacts after a touchdown touchdown against the Baylor Bears in the third quarter of the Big 12 Football Championship at AT&T Stadium on December 7, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

Honorable Mention: Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley

University of Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley will likely be one of the most sought after coaches in the NFL. He is a young offensive-minded head coach whose scheme has become a scheme teams are attempting to replicate in college and the NFL. He has also led Oklahoma to the College Football Playoff in all three seasons as head coach.

Riley would make sense for the Browns because of the presence of Baker Mayfield. Mayfield thrived in Riley’s offense, helping Mayfield win the Heisman Trophy and become the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Riley and Mayfield know how to work together and Riley was able to get the best out of Mayfield.

However, the reason Riley is only an honorable mention on this list is because it seems incredibly unlikely he will leave Oklahoma to go to the Browns. Riley is the head of the Oklahoma program and essentially has the power to do what he wants with the program. He also has quarterbacks leaving top programs to come play under his tutelage and in his offense.

Even if Riley is convinced to leave Norman for the NFL, the most likely landing spot would be the Dallas Cowboys, who also could be in the market for a head coach in the offseason. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reportedly has a “close relationship” with Riley, and many believe Dallas is Riley’s dream job.

Riley might be the best fit for the Browns because he is a young, innovative offensive mind who has proven himself as a head coach. However, the odds of Riley coming to Cleveland do not seem favorable.

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