“Everything that we do is with the idea of bringing a perennial winner to Cleveland. And this decision falls in that bucket as well,” Andrew Berry remarked as his opening statement to the press after firing former head coach Kevin Stefanski. 

On Monday, the Browns announced it had parted ways with Stefanski due to the results he brought in the past two seasons. They retained Berry, however, who proceeded to share his intentions with the media.

Berry said the management is aware of the pain they’ve caused their fans and promised they are focused on building a winning team. This decision, although difficult, was necessary and one of the many they had to take.

“There are many tough decisions that we have made that we’ll have to continue to make in order to fulfill that promise,” he said.

“And I know how hard it’s been for our fans this year. We have a great appreciation for their loyalty, their dedication to the team.”

The Executive Vice President shared how important fans’ energy is and the difference it makes during home games. He bought up the 13-6 Week 17 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers they won unexpectedly, by a huge margin. 

“I think back to our last home game against Pittsburgh (Steelers), they were such a huge, huge factor in that game. And then for them to support late in the year, big rival, had everything to play for, it’s quite the testament to show how much this team means to them and ultimately what we owe them because of that.”

The Browns Need A Leader

Berry further noted that they are “identifying and finding the leader,” who would build a strong team and make the most of the young roster. 

Of the past two, this season was particularly tougher for Stefanski, given the treatment he received. In Week 16, he was rained down in boos by fans present in the stadium, displaying their disappointment towards the former coach and ultimately the 5-12 season.

After the confusing quarterback juggle, mismanagement, and bad in-game calls, Stefanski had seemingly earned the ire of the Dwag Pound. It now depends on the Berry and the team to pick a head coach who will bring stability to the team. 

When asked if they are looking for candidates with prior coaching experience, Berry replied: “We’ll be pretty open-minded. I think our responsibility is to search far and wide.”

He said Stefanski, a two-time Coach of the Year awardee, didn’t have any, and they just need the right person for the job.

“We’ve just got to do our homework and find the right fit for us.”

Do you agree? Who are your top picks for the new coach?

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Joyita Das