Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski expressed sympathy for Brian Callahan following his dismissal as the Tennessee Titans’ head coach. This situation hits close to home as both coaches have identical 4-19 records since the start of 2024.
Callahan never found traction in Tennessee, going 3-14 in his first season before the team drafted quarterback Cam Ward first overall. Ward has struggled with the league’s worst-rated offense, completing just 55% of his passes with three touchdowns against four interceptions.
What Did Kevin Stefanski Say About Brian Callahan’s Firing?
In comments captured on social media by reporters Mary Kay Cabot and Albert Breer, Stefanski addressed the Titans’ coaching change during his Wednesday press conference.
“Obviously, hate to see that news down in Tennessee. I talked to Brian, have not talked to Bill,” Stefanski said, referring to both Brian Callahan and his father Bill, who was also let go a day after his son.
Stefanski made clear his admiration for the elder Callahan, a veteran offensive line coach. “Like I said, haven’t talked to Bill. Obviously I think very highly of him. I’m disappointed for them,” Stefanski added in his press conference remarks.
The Titans fired Callahan on October 13 after a disappointing 1-5 start, making him the first NFL head coach dismissed this season. The organization cited insufficient growth and disappointing performance as reasons for the change, quickly naming Mike McCoy as interim head coach.
While both coaches share the same recent record, their teams’ performances tell different stories. The Browns’ defense is the 11th-ranked unit in PFSN’s Defense Impact metric with a score of 77.8 and a C+ grade, significantly outperforming Tennessee’s defense, which sits at 23rd with a 70.8 score and a C- grade.
On the offensive side, however, both teams struggle mightily. The Browns have the 31st-ranked offense in PFSN’s Offense Impact metric with a 55.4 score and F grade, barely edging out the Titans, who rank dead last (32nd) with a 53.5 score and matching F grade.
This offensive futility is reflected on the scoreboard, with both teams averaging an identical 13.6 points per game through six contests.
Despite sharing the same 4-19 record recently, Stefanski’s job security stems from his proven track record in Cleveland. Unlike Callahan, who was in just his second season as head coach, Stefanski has led the Browns to two playoff appearances and earned NFL Coach of the Year honors twice (2020 and 2023).
A closer look at personnel decisions also reveals differences. Callahan staked his future on first overall pick Ward, who has thrown just three touchdowns against four interceptions. Meanwhile, Stefanski is developing mid-round rookies in Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders after trading veteran Joe Flacco.
Stefanski now faces the challenge of preparing for Miami in Week 7, hoping his established resume buys patience that Callahan’s brief tenure couldn’t secure in Tennessee.