Cleveland Browns Fire Kevin Stefanski Amid Two-Year Decline: Owners Demand Change After 8-26 Skid
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns have parted ways with head coach Kevin Stefanski after six seasons, marking the franchise’s latest coaching change in a history plagued by instability. The decision, announced Monday following a 5-12 finish in 2025, comes after two consecutive losing seasons that saw the team compile an dismal 8-26 record.[1][2][4]
Stefanski, who earned NFL Coach of the Year honors in 2020 and 2023, leaves Cleveland with a 45-56 regular-season record and a 1-2 postseason mark. He holds the distinction of being the only coach since the Browns’ 1999 return to lead the team to the playoffs and secure a victory, achieving playoff berths in both 2022 and 2023.[1][2]
From Playoff Success to Recent Struggles
Stefanski’s tenure began promisingly. In 2020, he guided a young Browns squad to success, earning widespread acclaim. His 2023 season stood out as one of the NFL’s most improbable runs: despite starting five different quarterbacks amid injuries, Cleveland posted an 11-win record behind an elite defense coordinated by Jim Schwartz and a late-season surge from Joe Flacco.[1]
However, the wheels came off in 2024 with a 3-14 collapse, followed by the 5-12 mark in 2025. Owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam cited the combined 8-26 stretch over those two years as “totally unacceptable” in a statement, emphasizing that winning just eight games in 24 outings was “horrible” and would not continue.[2][3]
“To win eight games in two years is horrible. It’s totally unacceptable, okay? And it’s not going to continue.” — Jimmy Haslam[3]
The Haslams expressed frustration shared by fans, noting the decision was not triggered by a single event but by a review of the “body of work.” They described it as a time for change after evaluating Stefanski’s overall performance.[3]
Deshaun Watson Trade Looms Large
Central to Cleveland’s dysfunction has been the ill-fated 2022 trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson, widely regarded as one of the worst deals in recent NFL history. Stefanski navigated the fallout admirably early on, relying on backups like Jacoby Brissett and Flacco to keep the team competitive.[1]
By 2025, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders emerged as the starter in the season’s second half, showing flashes of potential. Yet, Sanders remains an unproven commodity, and the Browns now face an unsettled quarterback room heading into the 2026 offseason.[1]
Berry Retained to Lead Rebuild
In a key vote of confidence, general manager Andrew Berry will retain his position and spearhead the search for Stefanski’s replacement — the Browns’ 11th head coach since 1999.[2]
The Haslams praised Berry for assembling an “exciting young core,” highlighted by a strong 2025 draft class. Cleveland also holds two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including an extra selection acquired by trading back from No. 2 to No. 5 with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025.[2]
Berry’s stability contrasts with the coaching carousel. At 38, he has been instrumental in recent successes, even as the team rebuilds its foundation post-2024.[2]
What’s Next for the Browns?
The new coach inherits a roster with promise but pressing needs. Extracting the best from Sanders will be priority one, alongside potential draft additions at quarterback. Cleveland enters the offseason with cap space and draft capital, positioning it for aggressive moves.[1][2]
Stefanski, with his proven track record, is unlikely to remain sidelined long. Multiple outlets report interest from other teams, given his ability to overcome adversity like the Watson debacle.[1]
For Browns fans, long accustomed to upheaval, this firing underscores deeper organizational issues. Owner Jimmy Haslam acknowledged the fans’ frustration directly, vowing improvement. Yet, with Berry at the helm of the coaching search, the focus shifts to pairing the right leader with the existing talent.[3]
Historical Context of Browns’ Coaching Woes
Since returning in 1999, the Browns have cycled through 10 head coaches prior to Stefanski, none delivering sustained success. His two playoff wins represent the high-water mark in that span, making his ouster bittersweet.[1][2]
Jim Schwartz’s defensive unit remains a cornerstone, but offensive inconsistencies and quarterback instability have eroded progress. The 2026 draft, rich in quarterback talent, offers a reset opportunity.[1]
| Year | Record | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|
| 2020-2023 | Strong (incl. 11-6 in 2023) | 2 appearances, 1 win |
| 2024 | 3-14 | No |
| 2025 | 5-12 | No |
As Cleveland embarks on yet another rebuild, the pressure mounts on Berry and the Haslams to break the cycle. Fans await a coach who can harness the young core and deliver the consistency that has eluded the franchise for decades.
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