Kevin Stefanski made a significant impact on the Cleveland Browns since joining the team in 2020. In his inaugural season, he guided the Browns to an 11-5 record, leading them to the playoffs and achieving their first postseason victory since 1994, an accomplishment that earned him his first NFL Coach of the Year award. Stefanski’s leadership was exemplified through the performance of quarterback Baker Mayfield, who, despite leaving the team a year later, was instrumental during that successful season.
Stefanski continued to shine in the 2023 season, once again achieving an 11-6 record and steering the Browns back into the playoffs. His accomplishments were recognized with a second Coach of the Year award, a notable achievement in the NFL. Under his watch, the Browns experienced their most successful period since their return to the league in 1999, making the playoffs twice.
However, the 2024 and 2025 seasons were starkly different, marked by a downturn in performance with records of 3-14 and 5-12 respectively. This decline was attributed to quarterback instability and injuries, exacerbated by a high-profile but ultimately unsuccessful acquisition of Deshaun Watson. Stefanski’s tenure culminated in the 2025 season, signaling an end to his time with the Browns, but reports suggest he may find another head coaching opportunity in 2026.
In the wake of Stefanski’s tenure, the Browns are actively seeking a new head coach. Among the candidates being considered is John Harbaugh, as well as Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, who has shown promising results in his current role, leading an offense that topped the league in scoring. Scheelhaase’s appeal has surged following an impressive season from quarterback Matthew Stafford, who led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns.
The Browns have also interviewed several other candidates, including Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher, and Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde. Additionally, they have spoken with their own coordinators, Tommy Rees and Jim Schwartz.
Cleveland boasts a solid defense and a standout rookie class from 2025, but many challenges remain, particularly on the offensive side, where determining a reliable quarterback is crucial. Thus, the Browns may look to prioritize hiring a head coach with a strong offensive vision to navigate these challenges moving forward.