The Cleveland Browns are at a crossroads once again, and this time, the stakes feel higher than ever. After parting ways with head coach Kevin Stefanski-who managed just eight wins over the past two seasons-it was clear the franchise needed a reset.
But as the Browns dive into their latest coaching search, the process has been anything but smooth. In fact, it’s exposed deeper issues that go well beyond the sidelines.
Let’s start with the obvious: this job isn’t exactly the hot ticket some might’ve expected. While the Browns may have envisioned themselves as a top destination-with a talented defense, a passionate fanbase, and a front office that’s shown a willingness to spend-the reality is a bit more complicated. Multiple coaching candidates have already pulled their names from consideration, and that’s raised a few eyebrows around the league.
At the center of the hesitation? Deshaun Watson.
Watson’s presence looms large over this franchise, and not necessarily in the way you want from your starting quarterback. His return to full health is expected, but even so, there’s a legitimate concern about whether he can be the long-term answer under center.
The alternatives-rookies like Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel-didn’t exactly inspire confidence, either. So here we are: heading into 2026 with Watson as the best option, despite all the uncertainty that comes with him.
Even if he bounces back and plays well, the long-term outlook remains cloudy. There’s been friction-both inside the building and in the stands.
When your owner publicly admits that trading for you may have been a mistake, and when fans cheer your injury, it’s safe to say the relationship is strained. That’s not the kind of environment that attracts top-tier coaching talent.
And Watson’s challenges haven’t been limited to health or performance. Reports suggest he struggled with criticism and didn’t always mesh well with teammates, particularly after his season-ending injury. For a team trying to rebuild its culture and identity, that’s a tough dynamic to navigate.
But the quarterback situation is just part of the story. The bigger issue might be structural.
The Browns’ leadership-starting with owner Jimmy Haslam-hasn’t exactly inspired confidence. The same person who pulled the trigger on what many consider one of the most disastrous trades in recent memory is still calling the shots.
And he didn’t just trade for Watson-he handed him a fully guaranteed contract in the process. That kind of move doesn’t just haunt the salary cap; it sends a message about priorities and decision-making at the top.
Add in Haslam’s reputation for being heavily involved-some would say meddling-in football operations, and it’s easy to see why coaching candidates might think twice. Coaches want to build something.
They want autonomy. They want a front office that supports them, not one that second-guesses them.
Right now, Cleveland doesn’t offer that kind of stability.
This coaching search was supposed to be a fresh start. Instead, it’s become a mirror-reflecting the organizational dysfunction that’s plagued this team for years.
The Browns have talent, no question. But until they address the bigger issues-at quarterback, in the front office, and with ownership-it’s going to be tough to convince anyone that this is a place where winning is sustainable.
Cleveland needs more than just a new head coach. It needs a new direction.