Maybe all hope is not lost for the Browns.

In an episode of Cleveland Taking Heads on 92.3 The Fan, Mike Martz shared his positive opinion on the Browns’ situation with hosts Andy Baskin and Jeff Phelps.

When asked about which job offer was the most desirable to him, from the six options, Martz, a Super Bowl Champion, put the Cleveland Browns at the top of his list. He cited their hunger to win as the main reason.

And more importantly, the Browns need to change their culture: “I would take the Cleveland job in a heartbeat. You need to change the culture… I mean it, because I think they’re hungry to win. And I think they started that, Kevin started that,” Martz said, crediting the ex-HC where credit is due.

Stefanski’s Culture of Accountability and Collaboration 

After defeating the Steelers in a 13-6 upset and their fourth win of the season, Browns players praised the culture their former head coach built.

Star defensive end Myles Garrett credited his teammates for keeping his workplace an exciting one. 

“The kind of camaraderie and the kind of team we have...I don't think I've ever been so happy and excited to go to work, just being alongside those guys,” Garrett said in a post-game media session.

Other players, like guard Joel Bitonio and cornerback Denzel Ward, also took accountability for their shortcomings and stated Stefanski alone was not responsible for the team’s losses.

“And he will tell you firsthand winning matters in this league, and we haven't done that,” Bitonio said.

“But it's not just one person or one coach. I mean, I just said, we’re all in this together,” Ward stated.

Stefanski’s locker room culture pushed the Browns into the playoffs in 2020 and 2023. He was also declared Coach of the Year in those years. 

But recent problems, primarily the absence of a reliable quarterback, affected the team’s results and Stefanski’s reputation. 

However, Martz Believes He Can Fix The Browns’ Quarterback

When cohost Phelps asked Martz to elaborate, he claimed he could improve their weakest link- the offensive line. 

“And I think I could solve their quarterback problem. They just need the correct guy, and maybe they have him. Maybe Sanders is the guy, I don’t know, but you’d have to see him closer. I could resolve that issue on offense in my mind,” Martz claimed.

In the 2025 season, the Browns played 14 games with three starting quarterbacks. After trading veteran Joe Flacco to division rivals, the Bengals, they picked rookie Dillon Gabriel. The 25-year-old threw seven touchdowns for 937 yards. He was replaced by Sanders, following an injury. 

Sanders scored seven touchdowns for 1,400 yards and was intercepted 10 times. However, the drama over Stefanski picking Gabriel instead of Sanders and his inconsistent performances might’ve been the final nail in Stefanski’s coffin. 

While both were underwhelming on the field, chances are that Sanders might continue as the starter. And if he does, then he needs a coach who would study him and tailor game plans to bring out the best of him. 

While the Browns have much to repair, Martz believes they are on the right path. How much they will improve is to be seen.

What do you think? Is Mike Martz the missing link the Browns are missing? Do you have any other name on your mind?

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Joyita Das