Stefanski Interviews with Giants After Browns Departure
Kevin Stefanski missed the opportunity to join the Giants back in 2018, and now he won’t be coaching Jackson Dart in 2025 either. But could he possibly snag a special award in 2026?
After dining with Giants executives on Tuesday night, Stefanski stayed on for an interview regarding the head coaching vacancy the following day. This was confirmed by the Post, marking him as the first external candidate to be interviewed just two days post his release from the Browns.
The Giants usually make it a point to host a social dinner for potential candidates and free agents before transitioning into more formal discussions.
Apart from whether Stefanski might attract top defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz from Cleveland, the development plan for Dart was likely a significant topic in these discussions.
“I think it’s a solid fit,” remarked one NFL source familiar with Stefanski. “Baker Mayfield found success under him, and he has a playing style similar to Jackson’s. They both excel at attacking from the pocket but can also create impressive plays on the move.”
Stefanski was named NFL Coach of the Year during his first season, leading the Browns to an 11-5 record and a playoff victory in 2020. Mayfield had an impressive season, throwing for 3,563 yards and achieving 26 touchdowns—something no Giants quarterback has matched since Eli Manning in 2016.
However, the Browns inadvertently distanced themselves from Mayfield by acquiring Deshaun Watson in 2022, a move Stefanski reportedly opposed. This led to a rough patch for the team, cycling through 10 starting quarterbacks over the last four seasons. Shedule Sanders ended the last season as the starter, but several Giants executives voiced their support for Sanders up until the momentum swung in favor of Dart.
For Stefanski, who made a positive impression on the Giants’ rookie quarterback during the pre-draft evaluations, coaching Dart could feel like a second chance to work with a talent like Mayfield.
According to a source, “Kevin has a brilliant football mind; he’s composed and understands people well. He’s a strong leader with a clear vision.” The Giants owners witnessed some of these attributes back in 2018 when Pat Shurmur attempted to bring Stefanski from Minnesota as offensive coordinator—only to have the Vikings block the move, promoting Stefanski instead, while the Giants shifted to Mike Shula.
Though Stefanski and general manager Joe Schoen have yet to work together, it’s assumed he wouldn’t mind if Schoen stayed around, even as a possible lame duck.
“When he wins there, he’ll maintain the same demeanor he had while developing as a successful coach,” the source added.
Stefanski’s record with the Browns stands at 45-56. He delegated play-calling responsibilities during the last two seasons to offensive coordinators Ken Dorsey and Tommy Reese, and reports indicate he doesn’t intend to take on that role again if hired as head coach.
“When discussing the offense, it’s essential to consider how coaches adapt and utilize their personnel,” the source highlighted. “Surrounding Dart with a strong quarterback is crucial, and I believe Kevin would do just that.”
