Kevin Stefanski is officially one of the hottest names on the NFL coaching carousel this offseason, and it’s easy to see why. The former Browns head coach has already interviewed with six teams, including the Dolphins, Raiders, Giants, Ravens, Titans, and Falcons. And while every one of those franchises could use a steady, offensive-minded leader like Stefanski, it’s the Titans, Falcons, and Ravens who appear to be leading the charge for his services.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Stefanski is expected to have second interviews with multiple teams next week. That’s typically the sign of serious mutual interest, and if you’re one of the three front-runners, you’re likely already mapping out what your offense could look like under his guidance.
For teams like the Raiders and Dolphins, that’s not great news.
Let’s start with Las Vegas. The Raiders had the league’s worst offense last season-no sugarcoating it.
They struggled to move the ball, lacked identity, and are now staring down a major decision at quarterback. There’s buzz around Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza as a potential draft target, though he hasn’t officially declared yet.
If the Raiders do go that route, pairing a rookie QB with a coach like Stefanski-who’s shown he can build around his quarterback’s strengths-would’ve made a lot of sense. Stefanski’s track record in Cleveland, especially in developing game plans that take pressure off young quarterbacks, would have been a perfect fit for a team looking to reset under center.
The Raiders also hold the No. 1 overall pick and have plenty of cap space to work with. On paper, it’s an appealing setup.
But the reality is, Las Vegas has been through a carousel of head coaches in recent years, and that kind of instability can be a red flag for any candidate looking for a long-term opportunity. For someone like Stefanski, who’s likely prioritizing organizational alignment and support, that might be enough to steer him elsewhere.
Then there’s Miami. The Dolphins are dealing with their own challenges, and they’re not small ones.
The quarterback situation remains murky, with uncertainty surrounding Tua Tagovailoa’s future-not just on the field, but financially as well. That kind of contractual limbo can tie a team’s hands when trying to build a roster, and it’s not the kind of environment that usually attracts top-tier coaching talent.
Beyond the quarterback question, the Dolphins have issues on both sides of the ball. This isn’t a team that’s a coach away; it’s a roster that needs significant work. And while Stefanski has shown he can win in tough situations, Miami may not be the most appealing landing spot if he’s looking for a quicker path back to playoff contention.
Of course, things can change quickly in the NFL. A strong second interview, a compelling vision for the future, or even a front office shakeup could shift the dynamics. But as it stands now, the Titans, Falcons, and Ravens appear to be in the driver’s seat for Stefanski-and teams like the Raiders and Dolphins may need to start looking elsewhere.