The Cleveland Browns have made the first head-coaching change of the NFL’s post-season, parting ways with Kevin Stefanski after six years.
> At a Glance
> – Kevin Stefanski fired after going 3-14 in 2024 and 5-12 in 2025
> – Finished 45-56 overall with two NFL Coach of the Year awards (2020, 2023)
> – Only Browns coach to win a playoff game since the franchise’s 1999 return
> – Why it matters: Cleveland now holds the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 draft and still lacks a franchise quarterback
Cleveland’s collapse over the past two seasons-18 total wins-prompted ownership to move on despite Stefanski’s prior success. General manager Andrew Berry keeps his job, setting up a pivotal off-season for the organization.
Coaching Tenure by the Numbers
Stefanski’s era began in January 2020 and peaked with playoff trips in 2020 and 2023. His 2020 Coach of the Year honor reflected a quick turnaround, and the 2023 award came after another postseason berth.
| Season | Record | Postseason |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 11-5 | Won wild-card |
| 2021 | 8-9 | – |
| 2022 | 7-10 | – |
| 2023 | 11-6 | Lost in divisional |
| 2024 | 3-14 | – |
| 2025 | 5-12 | – |
Quarterback Carousel
Injuries and performance issues forced Cleveland to start four different quarterbacks this season:
- Veteran Joe Flacco
- Rookie Dillon Gabriel
- Rookie Shedeur Sanders
- One other unnamed starter
The revolving door under center contributed to the league’s third-worst scoring offense, sealing Stefanski’s fate.
Next Steps for Stefanski
Given his offensive pedigree and two Coach of the Year trophies, Stefanski is expected to draw interest from the Titans, Giants, Falcons, and any additional openings. His .445 career winning percentage ranks in the middle of the league among active coaches with at least five seasons.
> Kevin Stefanski said in a statement:
> “When I arrived in January of 2020, this organization, this community and Browns fans embraced me and my family with open arms. I cannot express properly in words how good we have been treated.”
Key Takeaways
- Browns become the fourth team with a coaching vacancy
- Stefanski leaves as the only coach to secure a playoff victory since the franchise’s 1999 rebirth
- Cleveland holds sixth overall pick in 2026 draft to address quarterback need
The search for Cleveland’s 10th head coach since 1999 begins immediately, with roster reconstruction and quarterback evaluation topping the to-do list.
