The Cleveland Browns have officially fired the two-time AP Coach of the Year. After all, a 5-12 record wasn’t enough to save Kevin Stefanski. And now, as Jimmy Haslam explained, the Browns are looking to find a new leader. 

“We have tremendous gratitude for Kevin’s leadership of the Cleveland Browns over the last six seasons. We appreciate all of his hard work and dedication to our organization, but our results over the last two seasons have not been satisfactory, and we believe the change at the head coaching position is necessary.”

Stefanski took the job as the Browns’ head coach in the 2020 season. Despite two winning years, reaching the playoffs twice with a 45-56 record over 6 years, Stefanski’s back-to-back losing seasons in 2024 and 2025 put him on the hot seat in the run-up to the finale. 

They have several options. In the last few weeks, Deion Sanders emerged as a leading candidate. He rebuilt the Colorado Buffaloes squad, recruiting stars like Travis Hunter.

However, according to Cleveland.com reporter Mary Kay Cabot report from last week, Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is also on the radar. “The Browns have always admired his brilliant offensive mind, his innovative play-calling and his strategic thinking. He’s been on their radar for some time, and would likely jump at the chance to interview him if the Dolphins fire him and the Browns part ways with Stefanski.” 

McDaniel managed to turn things around at the Dolphins after their poor start to the season. From 1-6 early in the season, the Dolphins finished with a 7-10 record. 

Lastly, they may even turn to Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator for the team. He was previously head coach of the Detroit Lions in the early 2010s, and has transformed Cleveland’s defense to the second-best in the league this year. 

General Manager Andrew Berry remains in his position 

The Cleveland Browns are making a change at head coach. However, General Manager Andrew Berry's position appears to be safe.

Analysts predicted last week that Berry’s work in securing a strong rookie squad from the 2025 draft class had made him safe.

According to Haslam, Berry will lead the search for a new head coach. “Andrew will immediately begin our thorough process to find an outstanding new head coach and leader of our football team. We have an exciting young core to build upon, and Andrew and his team are intent on adding talent to this core and building out a roster that can achieve sustainable success.” 

Written by

Kalp Thaker

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar