Browns Rock Bottom: Stefanski’s Survival and the Road to Redemption
Kevin Stefanski has just wrapped up his fifth season as the head coach for the Cleveland Browns, totaling a record of 40-44 and one playoff win. In his tenure with the Browns, Stefanski has won Coach of the Year in 2020 and 2023. The Browns’ 3-14 record has marked the worst record in the Stefanski era. Stefanski is expected to be back in 2025-2026, along with general manager Andrew Berry. Stefanski has an interesting case as he has two COTYs and also some heavy-talented teams. Despite the challenging season, Stefanski's track record of resilience and adaptability suggests he may be able to turn the team's fortunes around, particularly given his ability to navigate significant player injuries and quarterback challenges.
One of the key points of evaluating things Stefanski has done and has not done. For one, Stefanski gave up playcalling duties to now-former offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, who was fired this morning. Stefanski letting Dorsey call plays shows that he was willing to put his ego to the side. Stefanski could focus on other aspects of the game, such as preparing game plans and making decisions to challenge a play or go for it on fourth down. However, the decision to hand over playcalling duties ultimately did not yield the desired results, as the Browns' offense continued to struggle, ranking 28th in total offense and 32nd in scoring, which led to Dorsey's dismissal after just one season.
One of the other key points is that Stefanski is an offensive head coach. While there may not have been signs of him and Deshaun Watson clashing behind closed doors, Watson has clearly shown Stefanski and himself are not a good fit together. Stefanski runs a heavy dose of play actions and plays scripted for the offense to execute. When Watson was in Houston, Watson strived to play with a spread offense and played off script. Considering the contract Watson was paid, Stefanski should be shaved some blame because that contract meant Watson should be expected to play in nearly any offensive scheme.
Looking ahead to next season, Stefanski should keep his job. Just the mere fact that he checked his ego and gave up playcalling duties should give him another season. At this point, it’s more if Watson and Stefanki can work together rather than mesh. If Stefanski can adapt and integrate how Watson played in Houston, there’s a chance for improvement at the quarterback position. Moreover, NFL Insider Tom Pelissero has already confirmed that Stefanski will return in 2025, with plans to remodel the offensive staff and return to the philosophy that yielded 11 wins with five different starting quarterbacks in 2023.
