Kevin Stefanski Breaks Silence on Shedeur Sanders After Browns Exit
Fans spent much of last season speculating if Kevin Stefanski was trying to sabotage the growth of Shedeur Sanders. Putting an end to the speculation, Stefanski has now opened up about the matter and what he really thought of the quarterback.
Stefanski was fired from the head coach job at the Browns at the end of the 2025 season, after finishing 5-12. He is now the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
On the Pardon My Take Podcast, Kevin Stefanski discussed his thoughts on Shedeur Sanders. “I would say this, I love Shedeur. I loved coaching him, seriously. He’s got the right makeup for this game. He was wired the right way. I wish that we’d won more, obviously," said the former Browns HC.
"But if you saw how he played down the stretch, I mean, he’s a young player who’s getting better. I’m not coaching him anymore, so I know I have to be careful talking about other players, but I am rooting for him," he added.
via Imago
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns Dec 21, 2025 Cleveland, Ohio, USA Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski and quarterback Shedeur Sanders 12 on the sidelines against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Cleveland Huntington Bank Field Ohio USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xKenxBlazex 20251221_rtc_bk4_0249
However, this is not the narrative that had always followed Stefanski. Sanders, who was initially projected to be a round 1 pick, ended up being picked by the Cleveland Browns in Round 5 as the 144th pick. Fans were left wondering what was to become of the young quarterback.
Stefanski kept Sanders behind veteran Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. When Sanders became QB1, he posted a 3-4 record in 7 games, throwing for 7 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He was also named to the Pro Bowl this year.
Who will become the Browns' QB1 in the post Kevin Stefanski era?
New head coach Todd Monken has stated at the 2026 NFL Combine that the Browns' starting quarterback position is still open for debate.
The primary contenders are Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel, unless the Browns pick up another QB during the draft.
However, Monken is not leaning toward either of the three just yet. “Sure, I think it’s an open competition. I don’t know why it wouldn’t be an open competition. I don’t mean to say that harshly, but I don’t think there’s enough on film over the last couple of years one way or the other to say whether we have a starting quarterback yet,” Monken said on the subject.
Who do you think will earn the starting role for the Browns? Let us know in the comments.
Read more at the Cleveland Browns Community!
Written by
Shyam Hari
Edited by
Sagnik Bagchi