Former head coach Kevin Stefanksi and general manager Andrew Berry joined the Browns together six years ago. Yet, Stefanski was fired on Monday for the abysmal past two seasons. Berry, on the other hand, retained his position, thanks to the draft picks he’s made.

Franchise owner Jimmy Haslam cited that free agency was instrumental in keeping Berry safe. 

“I wanna comment on Andrew because I know there are questions out there about ‘why didn't you change both of them?’” Haslam said.

“Andrew, over the last year, has done a very good job. I wanna go through that, because I think it's important to talk about the moves he made to strengthen our team. I think it began with what I would call a very efficient free agency. We added one player, and that player made a substantial difference to our football team, and that was Maliek Collins.”

Haslam spoke about Maliek Collins and his impact on the team. Collins made 25 tackles this season, out of which 15 were solo. He also recorded 6.5 sacks before injuring himself and was deemed unfit to play. 

“Andrew negotiated a trade a week before the draft started, in which we added draft picks, 2 last year, a second, a fourth or fifth, and a first this year. Then, we had one of the better drafts that we've ever had. I think we added 4 really good football players, who were either first or second team all-rookie.”

The 2025 rookie class featured some breakout stars. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, Running Back Quinshon Judkins, Defensive lineman Mason Graham, Running Back Dylan Sampson, Tight End Harold Fannin Jr., and Linebacker Carson Schwesinger performed well, with Sanders becoming the opening quarterback for the season and Schwesinger a strong contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Insiders and Experts Knew What Was Coming

A few prominent figures in the community had already hinted that Berry was safe. Former Browns player Phil Taylor stated that this rookie class saved Berry's job. But Stefanski, who couldn’t utilize them, was in danger.

“I think Berry saved his job with this draft. Stefanski is still on the hot seat,” Taylor stated on an episode of The Top Dawgs Show.

Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot echoed the sentiment. She guessed that Berry was safe because he perfectly executed the mandate Haslam had given him regarding the 2025 NFL draft. 

“And Andrew did that. He did it with flying colors,” she said. 

The Browns, however, haven’t confirmed their starting quarterback. Will they pick one or build a team around Sanders? Berry’s next challenge would be to fare well and keep his job.

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Joyita Das