The Cleveland Browns‘ hunt for a new head coach saw a flurry of activity, with the team formally interviewing veteran coach Anthony Lynn on Saturday. While the Browns’ coaching search took a step forward with one candidate, it simultaneously hit a wall as another high-profile name officially removed his name from consideration.

Lynn, a 26-year veteran in the NFL, knows the league inside out from years of grinding through every level of coaching. If Lynn gets through the full process, he will become the Browns’ 23rd head coach. That hire would also mark his second stint with the Browns franchise.

He previously served as their running backs coach during the 2007-08 seasons. Lynn also brings real head coaching experience, having led the Chargers from 2017 to 2020 with a solid 33-31 record. That said, the Browns are looking for someone on the offensive side, and one more name is topping the list.

Cleveland is looking for someone on the offensive side to pair with their defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz (who’s himself in the running and highly anticipated as the next head coach in Cleveland). He has even completed his second interview with the team on January 19.

However, if Schwartz doesn’t get the nod, Lynn might have a real chance. That’s because Tom Telesco, who served as general manager of the Chargers during Lynn’s time there, is now working as an advisor for the Browns’ front office. This connection could give Lynn an inside track.

Meanwhile, another candidate, Mike McDaniel, the former Miami Dolphins head coach, has reportedly decided on his future in the league, and it doesn’t include Shedeur Sanders and company in Cleveland.

Mike McDaniel backs out of the Browns coaching race

Mike McDaniel was fired by the Dolphins partly for their disappointing 7-10 season and partly for locker room issues that started to surface. Despite the exit, McDaniel has received offers from across the league for his offensive-savvy mind and creative schemes.

McDaniel was interviewed by the Browns on January 12 as part of their head coaching search. But reports reveal that he has said no to both the Bills and the Browns.

“Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel now has withdrawn from the head coach searches in both Buffalo and Cleveland,” Adam Schefter wrote on X.

McDaniel has made up his mind to go ahead with the Chargers as their new offensive coordinator instead. Now, with the Rooney Rule satisfied by Lynn’s interview, the Browns can push forward confidently in choosing their next head coach.