After the announcement of head coach Kevin Stefanski’s firing on Monday, Browns rookie quarterback Shedur Sanders quickly shifted his focus to the future.
During a press conference following their narrow 20-18 victory against the Bengals, he expressed his commitment to potentially stepping into the head coach role for Cleveland.
When asked how he felt about the news, Sanders responded, “I just found out a few seconds ago.” He added, “It’s about the overall mentality. Things happen; that’s just how the league operates.”
“Now, I’m concentrating on what I can do to improve for the next head coach,” he said.
With a disappointing 5-12 record this season, the Browns made the decision to let Stefanski go after his six years with the team. Under his leadership, Cleveland made two playoff appearances and he was recognized as the AP NFL Coach of the Year twice.
Sanders, who was drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, has found himself under scrutiny throughout the season, often criticized for his playing style and interactions with Stefanski.
Reflecting on their relationship after the season’s final game, Sanders noted that he and Stefanski “understood each other better” over the course of the year.
“We shared what we went through,” he shared. “I know he was invested in every game, especially this one. It meant a lot to all of us.”
“I just wish we could have come together more as a team and achieved more individually last year,” he lamented.
In his debut season, Sanders recorded three wins against four losses as a starter, completing 120 of 212 passes for 1,400 yards, with seven touchdowns and ten interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 68.1.
In the game against Cincinnati, he went 11-of-22 for 111 yards, although he also lost a fumble.
When general manager Andrew Berry asked him whether he felt he had done enough to secure a starting position in 2026, Sanders mentioned, “I think I did what I could, and I definitely learned a lot this season.”
“I’m confident and I have experience now. But, ultimately, it’s not up to me. I can’t control how others view it,” he added.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam refrained from discussing Sanders’ future during the press conference, stating, “I won’t delve into specifics. There’s a lot of work needed on the roster, particularly on offense.”
Sanders showed glimpses of strong arm talent and solid mechanics throughout his rookie season.
Looking ahead, he shared his offseason goals: “I want to spend time with my family and then get back to work. I’ll connect with the players early on… Overall, just aim for improvement and reflect on this past year to approach next season with a fresh mindset.”
Shedeur Sanders comments following Kevin Stefanski’s dismissal from the Browns.
After the announcement of head coach Kevin Stefanski’s firing on Monday, Browns rookie quarterback Shedur Sanders quickly shifted his focus to the future.
During a press conference following their narrow 20-18 victory against the Bengals, he expressed his commitment to potentially stepping into the head coach role for Cleveland.
When asked how he felt about the news, Sanders responded, “I just found out a few seconds ago.” He added, “It’s about the overall mentality. Things happen; that’s just how the league operates.”
“Now, I’m concentrating on what I can do to improve for the next head coach,” he said.
With a disappointing 5-12 record this season, the Browns made the decision to let Stefanski go after his six years with the team. Under his leadership, Cleveland made two playoff appearances and he was recognized as the AP NFL Coach of the Year twice.
Sanders, who was drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, has found himself under scrutiny throughout the season, often criticized for his playing style and interactions with Stefanski.
Reflecting on their relationship after the season’s final game, Sanders noted that he and Stefanski “understood each other better” over the course of the year.
“We shared what we went through,” he shared. “I know he was invested in every game, especially this one. It meant a lot to all of us.”
“I just wish we could have come together more as a team and achieved more individually last year,” he lamented.
In his debut season, Sanders recorded three wins against four losses as a starter, completing 120 of 212 passes for 1,400 yards, with seven touchdowns and ten interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 68.1.
In the game against Cincinnati, he went 11-of-22 for 111 yards, although he also lost a fumble.
When general manager Andrew Berry asked him whether he felt he had done enough to secure a starting position in 2026, Sanders mentioned, “I think I did what I could, and I definitely learned a lot this season.”
“I’m confident and I have experience now. But, ultimately, it’s not up to me. I can’t control how others view it,” he added.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam refrained from discussing Sanders’ future during the press conference, stating, “I won’t delve into specifics. There’s a lot of work needed on the roster, particularly on offense.”
Sanders showed glimpses of strong arm talent and solid mechanics throughout his rookie season.
Looking ahead, he shared his offseason goals: “I want to spend time with my family and then get back to work. I’ll connect with the players early on… Overall, just aim for improvement and reflect on this past year to approach next season with a fresh mindset.”
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