BEREA, OH - AUGUST 03: Andrew Berry, Cleveland Browns Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager, and Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam have a discussion during the Cleveland Browns Training Camp on August 3, 2021, at the at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility in Berea, Ohio. Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA AUG 03 Cleveland Browns Training Camp Icon210803052
BEREA, OH - AUGUST 03: Andrew Berry, Cleveland Browns Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager, and Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam have a discussion during the Cleveland Browns Training Camp on August 3, 2021, at the at the Cleveland Browns Training Facility in Berea, Ohio. Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA AUG 03 Cleveland Browns Training Camp Icon210803052
Jan 27, 2026, 1:11 PM CUT
Tony Rizzo Lashes Out Against Browns as Fans Frustrated with HC Hiring
It's been over 20 days since the Cleveland Browns fired Kevin Stefanski, yet there's no replacement. And this time, Tony Rizzo bashed the team for one fixation that he thinks has delayed the process.
"Their infatuation with analytics, where has it gotten them? YOU S***! YOU S***! Do you need me to tell you this? Or can you just look at your record and your roster? YOU S***! The analytics got you one of the worst trades of all time. "
Rizzo referred to the Browns' head coach evaluation process. According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the candidates have to answer obligatory introductory questionnaires, personality tests, and also submit a multi-part essay. This criteria frustrated as the every candidate kept dropping out of the race.
Rizzo added, "The analytics have produced the worst coaching candidates I've ever seen in Hue Jackson and Freddie Kitchens, and you're going back at it? What is wrong with these people?"
He was referring to the Browns' two previous head coaches who came before Kevin Stefanski. Hue Jackson holds the second-worst coaching record at the team. Between 2016 and 2018, he managed just 3 wins in 40 games. And Freddie Kitchens wasn't great either. He had 6 wins in 16 games in 2019.
The Browns' approach isn't just taking up time, it's letting strong candidates out of their reach. Just a few weeks ago, we talked about the legendary John Harbaugh potentially joining the team. And since then, it has just been one coach after another falling out of the race.
Cleveland needs a decision soon. The Ravens, Giants, Dolphins and Falcons have all found their new leaders. Mike McDaniel took up an offensive coordinator job. And now, one of their biggest prospects is out as well.
Grant Udinski Pulls Out of Browns Coaching Race
After a stellar job giving the Jaguars' offense a new start, Grant Udinski was looking for a head coaching position. He was a leading candidate at the Browns and the Bills.
According to reports, Udinski will be getting a new deal in Jacksonville and has pulled out of the Browns head coach race. However, he is still in contention for the Bills job.
Despite this update, Cleveland hasn't slowed down on the search. After the Rams lost the Championship game, Cleveland management was in Los Angeles to interview Nathan Scheelhaase. Jim Schwartz remains on their radar. Do you think either of them will take the job?
Written by
Reyansh Dubey
Edited by
Siddharth Shirwadkar