> At a Glance
> – Kevin Stefanski fired after six seasons as Cleveland Browns head coach
> – Posted 45-56 record with two Coach of Year awards (2020, 2023)
> – Browns went 3-14 in 2024 and 5-12 in 2025
> – Why it matters: Cleveland joins Titans, Giants, Falcons in coaching search while GM Andrew Berry stays
Cleveland made the first coaching change of the NFL’s Black Monday, parting ways with Kevin Stefanski after back-to-back losing seasons despite his two Coach of the Year honors.
The Firing
The Browns announced Stefanski’s dismissal Monday after six seasons. General manager Andrew Berry, hired alongside Stefanski in 2020, keeps his job.
Stefanski exits with a 45-56 record and two playoff appearances. His 2020 and 2023 Coach of the Year awards highlighted his tenure.
Recent Struggles
The last two seasons sealed Stefanski’s fate:
- 2024: 3-14 record
- 2025: 5-12 record
Despite the recent struggles, Stefanski remains the only Browns coach to win a playoff game since the franchise returned in 1999.
Quarterback Carousel
Cleveland’s instability at quarterback contributed to their decline. The team started multiple quarterbacks this season:
- Joe Flacco
- Dillon Gabriel (rookie)
- Shedeur Sanders (rookie)
The Browns hold the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft but still lack a franchise quarterback.
Coaching Market
Stefanski enters a competitive coaching market. The Browns join three other teams searching for new head coaches:
- Tennessee Titans
- New York Giants
- Atlanta Falcons
His offensive background and Coach of the Year credentials make him an attractive candidate for the remaining openings.
Stefanski’s Statement
Kevin Stefanski released a statement following his firing:
> “After six seasons as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, I leave with an immense sense of gratitude. 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. A sincere ‘Thank You’ to everyone who I have been so blessed to work for and with over these six seasons.”
Key Takeaways
- Stefanski fired after six seasons with two Coach of Year awards
- Browns went 8-26 combined in 2024-2025 seasons
- Only Cleveland coach to win playoff game since 1999 return
- Team still searching for franchise quarterback
- Browns hold No. 6 pick in 2026 draft
The Browns now begin their search for a new head coach while facing critical decisions at quarterback and with a top-10 draft pick.
