Kevin Stefanski is no longer the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. This change comes after the team struggled with consistent performance over the last two seasons.
In a statement, the Browns’ owners, Dee and Jimmy Haslam, expressed their gratitude for Stefanski’s contributions, acknowledging his coaching skills and personal character. However, they felt a new direction was needed to bring greater success to the franchise.
Stefanski joined the Browns in January 2020 and made an impressive debut. In his first season, he led the team to its first playoff appearance since 2002 and its first playoff win in 26 years. His 11 wins that season were the most for a first-year head coach in Browns history, equaling the record set by legendary coach Paul Brown in 1946. Known for his strategic mind, Stefanski secured two postseason appearances and two 11-win seasons throughout his tenure.
He also earned the Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year award in both 2020 and 2023, joining just a handful of coaches to achieve this feat. Despite these achievements, the Browns finished the 2025 season with a disappointing 5-12 record, leading to this difficult decision.
Andrew Berry, the team’s General Manager, remarked on the tough choice to part ways with Stefanski, emphasizing the respect he has for him. He praised Stefanski for his leadership during challenging times and for building a culture of professionalism and growth among the players.
Stefanski reflected on his time with the Browns with deep appreciation, thanking the organization and fans for their support. He highlighted the struggles the team faced and expressed pride in the efforts made by his coaching staff and players.
As the Browns look to the future, they aim to find a new coach who can lead the young talent they’ve developed, especially on offense, to match their already strong defense. This foundational shift comes at a crucial time for the franchise as they seek a path to sustained success.
For context, the Browns have had a tumultuous history with coaching changes. Their approach now aims to build on lessons learned in the past instead of repeating mistakes. The decision reflects a growing trend in the NFL where teams are looking to partnerships and fresh perspectives to drive success. According to a recent survey conducted by the NFL Coaches Association, nearly 60% of teams express a need for innovative strategies to adapt to changing player dynamics and game styles, underscoring the importance of this coaching transition for the Browns.
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