The Cleveland Browns are actively seeking a new head coach following the dismissal of Kevin Stefanski on January 5, after a disappointing season that concluded with a 5-12 record. This decision marks the end of Stefanski’s six-year tenure, during which he led the team to two playoff appearances but finished with an overall record of 45-56.
Browns’ general manager Andrew Berry has been entrusted by team owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam to spearhead the search for a new head coach. Berry announced plans to form a committee that will tap into the collective expertise of the football operations group, emphasizing that this will be a comprehensive organizational decision.
As the coaching search unfolds, Stefanski is set to interview for positions with the New York Giants on January 7 and the Tennessee Titans on January 10. His potential hiring is being closely monitored across the league, with multiple teams showing interest since his departure from Cleveland.
In a notable move, the Browns have requested permission to interview Todd Monken, the current offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. Monken has been with the Ravens since 2023 and previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Browns in 2019. He also has experience from his time at the University of Georgia, where he was part of a coaching staff that secured two national championships.
The timeline for interviewing candidates on non-playoff teams has specific guidelines, allowing the Browns to begin discussions with these individuals following a mandatory three-day waiting period after their respective seasons conclude. The team is also preparing to conduct in-person interviews with candidates whose teams have ended their playoff runs starting January 19.
Additionally, the Browns must adhere to the Rooney Rule, which requires them to conduct at least two in-person interviews with qualified candidates of color or women, ensuring compliance with this essential guideline as they move forward in their coaching search.
The Browns are hopeful that this fresh beginning will reinvigorate the franchise and lead them back to competitive success in the NFL. With a focus on strategic choices and inclusive practices, the team is poised to turn the page in pursuit of a brighter future.