Kevin Stefanski’s Future in Cleveland: Uncertain Now, But Opportunity Awaits Elsewhere
As the Cleveland Browns limp toward the end of another disappointing season, the conversation around head coach Kevin Stefanski’s future is heating up-and not just in Northeast Ohio.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Stefanski’s name has been circulating in league circles for weeks. It’s not just about whether he’ll stay in Cleveland; it’s about where he might land if he doesn’t.
Let’s be clear: Stefanski’s seat is warm, and not without reason. Since the start of last season, the Browns are 6-23.
That’s a hard number to ignore, especially when expectations were much higher following the blockbuster trade for Deshaun Watson. Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry were the architects of that move, handing Watson a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million deal-an all-in gamble that, to this point, hasn’t paid off.
If anything, it’s become a cautionary tale.
And yet, despite the record and the Watson situation, there’s a strong belief around the league that Stefanski won’t be out of work for long if Cleveland decides to move on.
In fact, one AFC executive told Fowler that Stefanski “might need a fresh start elsewhere,” adding that Cleveland is “a hard place to win.” That’s not exactly breaking news to Browns fans, but it speaks to how Stefanski is viewed outside the building.
He’s a two-time Coach of the Year for a reason. His offensive mind and leadership qualities are still respected, even if the results haven’t matched in recent years.
It’s also worth noting that the current head coaching candidate pool isn’t exactly loaded. That could work in Stefanski’s favor.
Fowler pointed out that if he’s let go, Stefanski would have options-whether that’s jumping right back into a head coaching role or taking a year off to reset, like Mike Vrabel did after leaving Tennessee. Either path is viable, depending on what’s open and how Stefanski is feeling after what’s been a turbulent few seasons in Cleveland.
Two teams already looking for new leadership-the New York Giants and the Tennessee Titans-could be logical fits. Both have young quarterbacks in need of development: Jaxson Dart in New York and Cam Ward in Tennessee. Stefanski’s background as an offensive-minded coach could be exactly what those franchises are looking for.
Of course, this could all shift if the Browns finish strong. Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is set to lead the team over the final five games, starting with a matchup against the 1-11 Titans this Sunday.
If Sanders shows flashes of being a long-term answer under center, that could change the narrative around Stefanski in a hurry. A strong finish might not just save his job-it could reignite belief in the current regime.
But right now, the Browns are 3-9 and staring at their fourth losing season in five years under Stefanski and Berry. The Watson trade looms large, and the roster still lacks a clear long-term solution at quarterback. That’s a tough combo to overcome.
Still, the league hasn’t forgotten Stefanski’s 2020 campaign or his ability to run an efficient, balanced offense. If Cleveland decides to hit the reset button, don’t expect Stefanski to be waiting by the phone for long.