Kevin Stefanski just can’t escape speculation on his future with the Cleveland Browns. In a post-game conference after their 20-18 victory over the Bengals, Stefanksi refused to answer a question asking whether he would retain his position as the head coach.

“This game is not about me, I told you guys. I’m proud of that group,” he said. 

The two-time AP Coach of the Year awardee has been booed in the stadium by fans while being asked aggressive and invasive questions all season. With Sunday’s matchup, the 2025 season has ended for the Browns, and now they are faced with some difficult choices.

While throughout the year, Stefanski maintained his focus on the present and upcoming matches, he can no longer suppress the rumors of his replacement. According to a report by NFL insider Ian Rapaport, for the Browns, “Some change would make sense based on how tough a season it has been.”

He also named those who will be heavily involved in masking these changes.

“Andrew Berry will be very involved in this situation and where the Cleveland Browns go from here,” he reported.

Stefanski’s career record stands at 45 wins and 56 losses. The Browns ended this season with a 5-12 record, ranking fourth in the AFC North. Despite the franchise ownership, Jim Haslam’s warning that another 4-12 “won’t cut it,” the Browns had steadily made headlines for their poor choices this year.

If Stefanski does part ways with the Browns after spending six years, it might be on an unpleasant note. 

Every Finger Pointed Towards Kevin Stefanski

He has been primarily held responsible for this season’s quarterback shuffle. After they traded veteran Joe Flacco to the Bengals, the starting responsibility of the team fell onto rookie Dillon Gabriel, who underperformed and overshadowed the more popular choice- Shedeur Sanders. 

Disastrous in-game calls, irresponsibility, mismanagement of the team and talent have set Stefasnki’s reputation on fire. Brian Hoyer, a former Browns quarterback, opined that the team needs a new “alpha” coach. And yet, many players have come forth and backed Stefanski.

Most recently, Jerry Jeudy stated that the team does not pay attention to such rumors.

“We just focus on what’s in the locker room,” he said, echoing the stance of many, such as Joel Bitonio and Denzel Ward. 

Currently, Stefanski, who called coaching the Browns “a privilege,” is celebrating the close call victory his team pulled and Myles Garrett’s sack record. So the questions about how the locker room will look next year can wait.

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Joyita Das