Cleveland Browns Eye John Harbaugh as Top Replacement for Fired Kevin Stefanski Amid NFL Coaching Shakeup

By Sports Desk | January 7, 2026

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns’ search for a new head coach intensified dramatically this week following the surprise firing of John Harbaugh by the Baltimore Ravens, positioning the veteran coach as the franchise’s top target to replace Kevin Stefanski.[1][2][3]

The Browns parted ways with Stefanski on Black Monday after a disappointing 5-11 season, marking the end of his six-year tenure that included just one playoff win despite early promise.[2] Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam cited unsatisfactory results over the last two seasons as the reason for the change, while praising Stefanski’s leadership and character.[2] “We have tremendous gratitude for Kevin’s leadership… but our results… have not been satisfactory,” the Haslams said in a statement.[2]

Stefanski, who quickly drew interest from the Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons, and New York Giants, expressed gratitude for his time in Cleveland.[1][2] General Manager Andrew Berry, retained by the team, is leading the search and has already requested interviews with candidates like Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.[3]

Harbaugh’s Sudden Availability Shifts NFL Landscape

Just one day after the Browns’ announcement, the Ravens fired Harbaugh after 18 seasons, 180 regular-season wins, and a Super Bowl XLVII victory in 2012.[1][2][5] Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti called it an “incredibly difficult decision,” highlighting Harbaugh’s integrity and contributions, including 12 playoff appearances and six AFC North titles.[2]

Harbaugh, 63, departs amid recent struggles, including an 8-9 record in 2025 and missing the playoffs after blowing a 10-0 lead to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a pivotal game.[1][5] His Ravens tenure saw 26 blown leads of 10-plus points since 2008, 12 in the last five years alone.[5] Despite this, Harbaugh remains one of the NFL’s most accomplished coaches, ranking as the second-best behind Andy Reid in some analysts’ views.[3]

“It comes with disappointment certainly, but more with GRATITUDE & APPRECIATION,” Harbaugh stated upon his exit.[2] Now a free agent in the coaching market, he’s expected to be the most coveted name in this cycle, surpassing even Stefanski.[1][5]

Ohio Roots Fuel Browns Speculation

Harbaugh’s deep ties to Ohio make Cleveland a natural fit. A Miami of Ohio alum, he grew up rooting for a Baltimore team but has family connections and storybook potential in Cleveland, a franchise with just one playoff win since its 1999 revival.[1][3][6] Fans are dreaming of a “blockbuster hire,” imagining Harbaugh leading the Browns to glory as a final act.[1]

Analysts urge the Browns to “pounce,” citing Harbaugh’s leadership, trust in coordinators, and success developing quarterbacks like Joe Flacco and Lamar Jackson.[3][5] He could harness stars like Myles Garrett, who shattered the single-season sack record with 23.0 in 2025 and is poised for a second Defensive Player of the Year award.[5]

“Now that it’s a reality, the Browns should pounce. Harbaugh… has Ohio ties, went to Miami of Ohio and has won a Super Bowl.”[3]

However, competition looms. The New York Giants, interviewing Stefanski, are a leading suitor, and Harbaugh tops lists even for potential Pittsburgh Steelers openings if Mike Tomlin departs.[1][3] CBS Sports lists Cleveland among his top five landing spots, noting the irony of staying in the AFC North post-rivalry.[5]

Broader Coaching Carousel Implications

Harbaugh’s exit ripples across the league. His former offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who worked with the Browns in 2019, is already interviewing in Cleveland.[3] Other intriguing candidates include 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, a 2020 finalist for the Browns job.[3]

Radio discussions emphasize Harbaugh as the “most coveted HC of the cycle,” with his system-focused approach suiting quarterback-needy teams like the Browns, who must find a franchise signal-caller after the Deshaun Watson saga.[4][5]

Key NFL Coaching Vacancies and Candidates

Team	Recent Coach Fired	Top Candidate
Cleveland Browns	Kevin Stefanski	John Harbaugh
Baltimore Ravens	John Harbaugh	TBD (Lamar Jackson focus)
New York Giants	TBD	John Harbaugh, Kevin Stefanski

The 2026 hiring cycle, which began with three vacancies, exploded to four overnight.[1] For the Browns, securing Harbaugh could signal a new era, blending proven success with local appeal amid a roster featuring elite defense and quarterback uncertainty.

Berry’s thorough process promises a competitive search, but with Harbaugh available, all eyes are on whether Cleveland can lure the Super Bowl winner home.

This story will be updated as interviews progress and further developments emerge.