Kevin Stefanski’s Future Under Scrutiny: Browns Coach Could Draw Major Interest If Let Go

As the Cleveland Browns head toward another disappointing finish, the scrutiny surrounding head coach Kevin Stefanski has intensified. With the franchise staring down its second straight season outside the postseason picture, questions have mounted about whether a sixth year under Stefanski is in the cards.

Yet even as uncertainty looms in Cleveland, many around the league see a different possibility: that Stefanski’s tenure with the Browns may be coming to an end, but his time as an NFL head coach likely is not. His résumé—including two playoff appearances and the club’s lone postseason win in three decades—continues to draw respect among executives and coaches.

Cleveland’s recent struggles have overshadowed much of that success, creating a divide between local frustration and broader league admiration. While the Browns are once again among the NFL’s worst teams, Stefanski’s reputation as a steady, experienced leader remains strong beyond Northeast Ohio.

As speculation builds, league insiders suggest that if Cleveland parts ways with him, Stefanski could find himself back in a head-coaching role as soon as 2026—or even sooner, should he choose not to take any time away.

1. Stefanski’s Future And Outside Interest

Reports from around the league indicate that Stefanski is already a popular name in coaching circles. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted that executives frequently mention Stefanski’s future, especially given Cleveland’s 6–23 record over the past two seasons. Despite that downturn, many evaluators still consider him an attractive candidate for other vacancies. AFC executives cited his experience, leadership, and track record—highlighting his two NFL Coach of the Year awards—as evidence he could thrive in a different environment. One executive noted that “Cleveland is a hard place to win,” suggesting Stefanski may simply benefit from a change of scenery. This year’s coaching market is also viewed as thinner than usual, a factor that could elevate Stefanski’s standing. Fowler reported that Stefanski would likely have the option to pursue another head-coaching job immediately or step back for a year, similar to the path Mike Vrabel took after his departure from Tennessee. With current openings such as the Giants and Titans emphasizing offensive expertise and experience, Stefanski aligns closely with what those franchises may seek. If the Browns move on, he is unlikely to remain unemployed for long.

2. His Standing In Browns History

Although the Browns’ recent record paints a bleak picture, Stefanski’s overall tenure still stands out in franchise history. His 43–52 career mark may sit below .500, but few Cleveland coaches have achieved more during the past 50 years. He ranks among the franchise’s top four coaches in wins, owns the highest winning percentage of any Browns coach since Bud Carson in the late 1980s, and is the only coach since Marty Schottenheimer to lead Cleveland to multiple playoff appearances. His 2020 postseason victory—earned despite his COVID-related absence from the sideline—remains one of the franchise’s defining moments. Stefanski’s tenure is also notable for its consistency in culture and structure, despite the turbulence that has often surrounded the team. In an organization known for rapid turnover and instability, his six-year run stands out as one of the Browns’ most steady coaching stretches in decades. Still, the recent downturn has overshadowed early achievements, heightening debate about whether Cleveland should push forward under his leadership or hit reset.

3. Quarterback Turmoil And Staff Adjustments

Much of Stefanski’s difficulty can be traced to the quarterback position. After Baker Mayfield’s tenure came to an end following the 2021 season, the Browns traded for Deshaun Watson—a move that brought heavy controversy, a fully guaranteed $230 million contract, and a steep price in draft capital. Since arriving in Cleveland, Watson has played only 19 games over four years due to suspension and multiple injuries. His prolonged absences have forced Stefanski to rely on a rotating cast of quarterbacks including Jacoby Brissett, Joe Flacco, Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and this season’s rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. The constant turnover under center has made offensive consistency nearly impossible. Compounding matters, Stefanski has stepped back from offensive play-calling in each of the past two seasons, a notable shift from his background as Minnesota’s offensive coordinator. Despite a 3–9 record and mounting pressure, Cleveland remains technically alive in the playoff race. The Browns will face the 1–11 Titans next—ironically, one of the teams reportedly poised to consider Stefanski should he become available.