The Cleveland Browns are three weeks into their head coaching search, and the process has been anything but smooth. After parting ways with Kevin Stefanski on Black Monday, the organization has found itself in a holding pattern - and not by design.
Despite a roster that boasts a strong defensive core and some intriguing young talent, Cleveland has struggled to attract top-tier candidates. Chris Shula, Jesse Minter, and Mike McDaniel have all passed on the opportunity, and missteps with the NFL’s Rooney Rule haven’t helped matters.
From the outside looking in, this should be a more appealing job. The Browns have pieces to work with - especially on defense - and a smart offseason could easily help them rebound from a disappointing 5-12 season.
But there are deeper issues at play. The shadow of owner Jimmy Haslam looms large, with a reputation for impatience and a tendency to meddle.
And while general manager Andrew Berry has made some savvy moves, he’s also the architect of a roster with glaring holes - particularly on offense and special teams.
Haslam’s decision to keep Berry in place while making Stefanski the fall guy hasn’t exactly inspired confidence. Instead of a clean slate, the Browns are trying to reboot with the same front office that helped build this flawed roster. That puts Berry in a tough spot - and makes his next hire arguably the most important decision of his tenure.
Adding another wrinkle to the situation is Stefanski’s quick move to Atlanta, where he’s already made headlines by bringing Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees with him. Rees, just 33 years old, coordinated an offense in Cleveland that ranked 31st in both points per game and total EPA.
That kind of production usually gets a coach sent packing - not hired for the same job elsewhere. But Stefanski clearly sees something in Rees, and the Falcons were willing to buy in.
That move speaks volumes. Stefanski didn’t have to criticize the Browns on his way out - he let his actions do the talking. By taking Rees with him and stepping into a situation with significantly better offensive talent - quarterback Michael Penix Jr., wide receiver Drake London, running back Bijan Robinson, and All-Pro guard Chris Lindstrom - Stefanski has positioned himself to prove a point: the problem in Cleveland wasn’t the coaching, it was the personnel.
Meanwhile, the Browns are left trying to pick up the pieces. Berry’s résumé includes some strong moves - signing Maliek Collins and re-signing Devin Bush in free agency, drafting linebacker Carson Schwesinger in the second round, and snagging tight end Harold Fannin in the third. His midseason trade, flipping Greg Newsome II for Tyson Campbell, turned out to be a big win for the defense and a gut punch to Jacksonville’s playoff hopes.
But those wins are overshadowed by the misfires. The offense is in disarray.
Deshaun Watson’s $80.7 million cap hit in 2026 is a massive anchor. The offensive line has collapsed, the wide receiver room is among the league’s worst, and the quarterback carousel hasn’t stopped spinning.
Add in a special teams unit that just turned in one of the worst seasons in NFL history by DVOA, and it’s clear this is more than just a coaching issue.
Stefanski’s tenure may have run its course, and there’s no question things got away from him in 2025. The offensive line crumbled early, and the team never recovered.
But few coaches could’ve salvaged that situation. And now, with Stefanski and Rees getting a fresh start in Atlanta, the spotlight shifts squarely back to Cleveland.
If those two find success with the Falcons - and especially if the offense takes a major leap - it’s going to reflect poorly on the Browns' front office. Fair or not, it’ll look like the wrong people were shown the door.
Cleveland’s next head coach will be the 23rd in franchise history. For a team that’s been searching for stability since its return to the league, this hire has to stick. Otherwise, the Browns risk falling into the same cycle - big expectations, bigger letdowns, and another offseason spent searching for answers.