According to insider reports, it seems like the chances of the Browns firing Kevin Stefanski are growing with each game. And Myles Garrett might have just accelerated it.

The 2023 defensive player of the year has credited a coach from the Browns Camp for helping him reach the doorstep of the NFL’s all-time single-season sack record. Spoiler: It's not Stefanki, but the defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

“Wins and losses aren’t where we want them, for sure. It’s tough. I wish we could figure it all out a little bit sooner. But to play for Jim has been an honor and a privilege. That’s a great coach. He’s been a great man of character and a great leader. So I just appreciate that I’ve been able to be coached by him. He’s helped elevate my game and take it to the heights we see now.”

One could read into his words very differently. For some, it could him praising talent who soon might be fired with Kevin Stefanski. Some might see it as backing the top internal option if Stefanski is replaced.

Myles Garrett's words are very important because, before the 2025 season, he publicly requested a trade from the Browns. The request was denied, and he signed a contract extension instead. Schwartz made a big prediction before the season began.

"I really think Myles is going to have the best season of his career and has to, right?" he said. "I've told him before […] what's that Spider-Man quote? 'With great power comes great responsibility.' That's with the big contract, with the notoriety that came along with that, with the process that took to get him to that point."

And here we are, Garret is just a half sack away from becoming the player with the most sacks in a season. Other than that, he has recorded 41 solo tackles and 17 assists in 15 games.

While the Browns have not decided on Kevin Stefanski, Jim Schwartz does not have a great resume either!

Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network have said in their report, "No decisions have been made on the future of Kevin Stefanski." But if they do fire him, Jim Schwartz as a head coach does not have a good track record.

Did he revolutionize the Browns' defense? Yes. With him, the team allowed the fewest total yards (270.2) and passing yards (164.7) per game in the league in 2023. Garrett had 33 solo tackles, 9 assists, 14.0 sacks, and 1 fumble recovery in 16 games in that season. He won his first Defensive Player of the Year award.

But his stint as a head coach for the Detroit Lions is the same as Kevin Stefanski's with the Browns. He led them to the playoffs in 2011 after inheriting the first team in NFL history to lose all 16 regular-season games in 2009.

The success didn't last. His final two seasons ended with losing records, and at 29-51 overall. After a 7-9 finish in 2013, the Lions fired him. The story is very parallel with Stefanski's! It could be a risk to bring in Jim Schwartz.

Do let us know what you think. Any names in your mind?

Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Joyita Das