The NFL world woke up Monday morning to the news that the Cleveland Browns have fired head coach Kevin Stefanski. But Browns owner Jimmy Haslam decided to keep Browns general manager Andrew Berry.
Berry has been at the center of numerous controversies regarding player selection in the draft process. Still, Haslam must see something worthwhile in keeping Berry around.
Why Did Browns Owner Keep GM Andrew Berry?
The Browns officially announced Stefanski’s firing on their X account. Stefanski was a two-time Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year, in 2020 and 2023.
As they did so, Haslam and Berry also had some pointed comments about Haslam’s reasoning behind retaining Berry to go through yet another rebuild. And, of course, this will be done with a new head coach.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski has been relieved of his duties
📰: https://t.co/OTs0Dg82nM pic.twitter.com/YESc5C26Sn
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) January 5, 2026
“Andrew Berry will continue to lead our football operations,” Haslam said in a statement from the Browns on Monday. “The entirety of our focus is on building a team that brings our fans the success they long deserve, and we will continue to work relentlessly towards that goal and invest whatever resources necessary to build a winning football program.
“Andrew will immediately begin our thorough process to find an outstanding new head coach and leader of our football team,” Haslam said. “We have an exciting young core to build upon, and Andrew and his team are intent on adding talent to this core and building out a roster that can achieve sustainable success.”
Berry, in his comments, said that it was “a difficult decision” to move forward without Stefanski as part of the Browns’ organization.
“This was a difficult decision and today is a tough day for our organization because of the impact Kevin has had and the deep, meaningful relationships he has built across our building,” Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry said in a statement.
“We have great respect for Kevin, who has led our organization through both unique and challenging circumstances over his six seasons,” Berry said in a statement which, in part, was posted on X on Monday. “Over that time, he has been more than a coach but also a partner, friend and stabilizing force for our team.
GM Andrew Berry on Coach Stefanski’s impact on the organization and the team’s focus on the steps ahead pic.twitter.com/RrvDYhz7bl
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) January 5, 2026
“He has always led authentically and cared deeply for Browns players, coaches and staff all while investing every ounce of energy into improving the team daily,” Berry said. “Most recently, Kevin’s steady hand led us through the most turbulent part of our strategic pivot and transitional period.”
Berry has come under fire, especially for the number of quarterbacks the team has run through since Baker Mayfield was on the roster, leading the Cleveland offense.
Among them, according to a list posted by ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter on Monday, have been Deshaun Watson, Jacoby Brissett, Joe Flacco, Jameis Winston, Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, P.J. Walker, Jeff Driskel, and Bailey Zappe.
MORE: Kevin Stefanski Replacements: 5 HCs Browns Should Target After Parting Ways With HC
“Working with a young team and imperfect roster, he laid a foundation of professionalism while also creating an environment of learning for a new wave of Browns players,” Berry said. “I am disappointed that we could not accomplish more together and the collective underperformance of our group is something I own.
“We will remain steadfast in our commitment to our fans in building the Browns into an organization that sustains success,” Berry continued. “Now, our attention turns to the search for the person to lead and develop what will be a young offense with heavy investment over the next six months to match and build on the performance of a young defense that is already playing at an elite level.”
According to the PFSN NFL Offense Impact Metric, the Browns’ offense had the worst performance in the league, with an impact score of 52.0 and a grade of F. Haslam and Berry will be looking for a significant improvement in that area next season. They’ll also have to solidify who will be the team’s starting quarterback.
Cleveland might have fired Stefanski on Monday, but the franchise has a lot of work to do.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.
