Cleveland Browns Part Ways with Kevin Stefanski
The Cleveland Browns are on the lookout for a new head coach after parting ways with Kevin Stefanski following six seasons. This decision was made on what fans refer to as “Black Monday.”
Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who many believe had been restricted by Stefanski’s coaching style, reacted to the announcement as he and his teammates transition into the offseason.
When asked about the firing, Sanders said, “I just found out a few seconds ago.” He added, “I think it’s just a matter of the overall mentality and things will happen; that’s how the league works.”
He continued, saying, “Now I’m just going to focus on what I can personally improve on for the next head coach.”
That was quite an overall response. In the past season, Stefanski retained the starting quarterback role for the remaining seven games of what turned out to be a disappointing 5-12 season.
Sanders has been in the limelight since being drafted in the fifth round, especially since many expected him to go much higher in the draft. The reality turned out differently; his stock dropped as teams selected quarterbacks before him.
During training camp, there were whispers suggesting that the Browns weren’t providing Sanders with adequate opportunities to prove himself, putting pressure on Stefanski.
Stefanski’s impact on Sanders’ rookie season seemed quite mixed. However, Sanders mentioned that he and Stefanski had started to “understand each other” as the season progressed.
“We’re going to share a lot of things that we’re going to go through with each other,” he shared. “I know he wanted this win; I know he wants every win, but I know this win means a lot.”
He also said, “I really wish the team could have come together better, and I feel like there were some things I could have done personally this past year.” The Browns closed the season with a narrow 20-18 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, a game where Sanders completed 11 of 22 passes for 116 yards, but also had a fumble.
Reflecting on his rookie season, Sanders commented, “I think I did what I could, and I definitely grew from a lot of things.” At the start of the season, Stefanski had firmly stated that veteran Joe Flacco would be the starting quarterback, despite having Sanders and third-round pick Dillon Gabriel on the roster. The competition between Gabriel and Sanders to be Flacco’s backup was a key story as the summer unfolded, especially after Kenny Pickett was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Ultimately, Stefanski picked Gabriel, who ended up starting six games after Flacco was traded mid-season. Gabriel had a rough outing, finishing with a 1-5 record as a starter, and after a concussion sidelined Sanders, he got another shot.
Sanders won his first start against the Raiders, with an overall record of 3-4 in seven starts. He averaged 1,400 yards, threw seven touchdowns, and had ten interceptions, completing 56.6% of his attempts.
Looking ahead, the Browns haven’t committed to Sanders or any quarterback for 2026, as they want the next head coach to have the final say on the direction of the team. They also have Deshaun Watson under contract, and general manager Andrew Berry expects him back next season.
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam commented, “I’m not going to get into specifics. We have a lot of work to do on our roster, especially on offense.”
As for Stefanski, he may soon find a new coaching role in the NFL. The New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons, and Tennessee Titans are reportedly interested in interviewing him for their head coaching vacancies.
During his time with the Browns, Stefanski earned the title of Coach of the Year twice and led the team to two playoff appearances in 2020 and 2023. He finished with a record of 45-56 in 101 games with the franchise.
