The Cleveland Browns did not have a picture-perfect 2025 season, but things appear to be looking up for the team. It navigated a challenging quarterback decision-making situation, an unrest that lingered deep into the season. Both young quarterbacks were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, and college football production was the primary measuring stick.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski consistently chose the underperformer of the two, drawing criticism and backlash from fans and experts. With mounting expectations, Stefanski stuck to his approach until the situation reached a breaking point, earning him labels of ‘incompetence.’ When he finally made the change, it was already too late.
Reasons Why the Browns Could Part Ways With Kevin Stefanski
Stefanski’s rigid commitment to doing things his way could hinder the progress of a Browns team in the early stages of a rebuild. This was evident in how he stuck with Dillon Gabriel even as nearly everyone wanted to see Shedeur Sanders on the field. Gabriel was not delivering the desired results and was also the higher-paid of the two.
Sometimes, it’s not about how much money a team spends on players, but how well those players fit into the offensive plan. Stefanski’s approach led to growing distrust between the team and its fan base. Sanders outperformed Gabriel when given the opportunity, further reinforcing those sentiments. Now, after six years, Stefanski appears to be on thin ice.
With the Browns reportedly considering a trade, Tennessee Titans fans have taken to X to support bringing Stefanski to their team. This has sparked some amusing reactions around the NFL. One user captioned, “Titans fans: vRaBeL wAs sIx aNd eIgHtEeN. Also Titans fans: Let’s hire Kevin Stefanski,” alongside a GIF of a confused Mike Vrabel.
Titans fans: vRaBeL wAs sIx aNd eIgHtEeN
Also Titans fans: Let’s hire Kevin Stefanski pic.twitter.com/97fVLYb0eg
— The Ghost of Mike Vrabel (@GhostVrabel) January 4, 2026
NFL insider Dianna Russini reported on the team’s direction regarding both the general manager and head coach. On the front office, she wrote, “With the success of EVP and general manager Andrew Berry’s most recent draft, he’s likely to stay, but those discussions are ongoing heading into Cleveland’s final game at the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.”
While things appear stable for Andrew Berry, the same cannot be said for Stefanski. Russini confirmed that the Browns are exploring coaching options.
She wrote, “The Cleveland Browns have done some background work to gather information on potential head-coaching options, and are leaning toward moving on from two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski.”
The fact that Stefanski has won Coach of the Year twice lends credibility to his play-calling and tactical ability. However, results often outweigh accolades. While the Browns have improved compared to last season, the progress has been modest.
As Russini noted, “Cleveland’s final game at the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The Browns are 4-12 after finishing 3-14 in 2024.” Only time will tell whether the Browns retain Stefanski or move on. With Sanders showing improvement late in the regular season, the team may yet opt for continuity at head coach.
