Kevin Stefanski had a lot to prove after the disastrous 3-14 season in 2024. Unfortunately, the Browns aren't doing any better. Going into Week 17 with a 3-12 record, Stefanski is on thin ice, but left guard Joel Bitonio cast his vote of confidence.

Despite another loss to the Buffalo Bills last Sunday, Bitonio said the Cleveland Browns should keep faith in the franchise’s most successful coach.

"I think he's a good football coach. We have not won. And he will tell you firsthand winning matters in this league, and we haven't done that," ESPN's Daniel Oyefusi quoted Joel Bitonio on X.

"But as a coach goes, I have the highest respect for him, what he's done here," added the Browns veteran.

He also reminded that the team has struggled to win more than three times under the previous three coaches. 

"And I know it is what you've done now, but we've been to two playoff games. We've had winning records. We've been competitive," he added.

Despite franchise owner Jimmy Haslam’s warning that “3-14 won't cut it” in the preseason, Joel Bitonio stated that Stefanksi’s present failures should not overshadow his past successes. After all, he led the Browns to the playoffs in 2021, in 18 years, and again in 2023.

The 34-year-old asked if the speculation and dissatisfaction with Stefanski was just because of the present 3-12 season. He clarified that the team is unhappy with their position too, but needs to keep him and improve.   

Joel Bitonio spoke for the team

"We don't want to be there," Joel Bitonio said about the team's current record. "But I think if we get the right pieces and we keep improving, I think that's a guy you can build around," he added.

Bitonio highlighted that despite the losses, the team hasn’t given up on playing. "I think you saw it this last week. The team is motivated to play. We're trying to win games," said Bitonio, and argued that's because Kevin Stefanski respects his players.

On Monday, sports commentator Daryl Ruiter claimed that Stefanski shouldn't take all the blame. Ruiter claimed that the Browns GM, Andrew Berry, is equally responsible for the team's current state.

"He had a team built to win consistently and ruined it," Ruiter said. "He wasted Nick Chuub, he wasted Joel Bitonio, Myles Garrett. He’s wasted Denzel Ward. He’s wanted this window. So why does he get the opportunity to continue?" added the reporter.

That being said, the Browns management will have the final say on Kevin Stefanski's fate.

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi