Posted on Jan 05

Browns fire HC Stefanski after disappointing 5-12 season, ending his six-year tenure

Posted Jan 5, 2026

The Cleveland Browns have fired head coach Kevin Stefanski after a disappointing 2025 season, marking the end of his six-year tenure with the team.

Why it matters: This decision reflects the Browns' continued struggle to find stability and success in a highly competitive AFC North division.

With a 5-12 record this past season, the Browns finished last for the second consecutive year.
Stefanski’s departure underscores a broader trend in the NFL where teams are increasingly quick to make coaching changes following poor performances.

What’s new: The Browns are now in search of their next head coach, while general manager Andrew Berry remains at the helm despite the coaching upheaval.

Berry expressed disappointment over the team's performance and acknowledged the impact Stefanski had during his time with the organization.
The Browns will be looking for a candidate who can harness the potential of their high-profile quarterback, Deshaun Watson, amid ongoing challenges.

Yes, but: While Stefanski led the team to two playoff appearances during his tenure, he also recorded four losing seasons, raising questions about his ability to lead them to sustained success.

Under his leadership, the Browns posted a regular-season record of 45-56, which included notable accomplishments like winning NFL Coach of the Year awards in 2020 and 2023.
However, the team scored fewer than 20 points in 11 games this season, tied for the most in the league, suggesting systemic issues on offense.

By the numbers: Since joining the Browns, Watson has played in just 19 games and holds a Total QBR of 33.1, casting doubt on his long-term viability as the franchise quarterback.

With an upcoming cap hit of $80.7 million in 2026, Watson's contract is the largest among NFL quarterbacks, putting pressure on the organization as they seek to rebuild.
The Browns’ use of three different starting quarterbacks in 2025 (Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders) highlights the instability at the position.

Between the lines: This firing could serve as a wake-up call for Watson and the rest of the roster, as the organization seeks not only a new head coach but also a new direction.

Jimmy and Dee Haslam, owners of the Browns, noted their gratitude for Stefanski’s contributions while emphasizing the need for change due to unsatisfactory results.
The next head coach will likely be tasked with revitalizing Watson’s career and restoring confidence in a fanbase that has endured decades of disappointment.

What’s next: As the search for a head coach begins, all eyes will be on how the Browns navigate this transition in the offseason.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for signs of a strategic shift that prioritizes offensive efficiency and cohesion.
The new head coach will need to develop a clear plan to maximize the talents of existing players while potentially seeking additional reinforcements through the draft or free agency.

The bottom line: The Browns’ decision to part ways with Stefanski illustrates the urgency to improve performance and the organization’s commitment to finding a solution for long-term success.

Browns fire HC Stefanski after disappointing 5-12 season, ending his six-year tenure

Alex Parker

Posted Jan 5, 2026

The Cleveland Browns have fired head coach Kevin Stefanski after a disappointing 2025 season, marking the end of his six-year tenure with the team.

Why it matters: This decision reflects the Browns' continued struggle to find stability and success in a highly competitive AFC North division.

With a 5-12 record this past season, the Browns finished last for the second consecutive year.

Stefanski’s departure underscores a broader trend in the NFL where teams are increasingly quick to make coaching changes following poor performances.

What’s new: The Browns are now in search of their next head coach, while general manager Andrew Berry remains at the helm despite the coaching upheaval.

Berry expressed disappointment over the team's performance and acknowledged the impact Stefanski had during his time with the organization.

The Browns will be looking for a candidate who can harness the potential of their high-profile quarterback, Deshaun Watson, amid ongoing challenges.

Yes, but: While Stefanski led the team to two playoff appearances during his tenure, he also recorded four losing seasons, raising questions about his ability to lead them to sustained success.

Under his leadership, the Browns posted a regular-season record of 45-56, which included notable accomplishments like winning NFL Coach of the Year awards in 2020 and 2023.

However, the team scored fewer than 20 points in 11 games this season, tied for the most in the league, suggesting systemic issues on offense.

By the numbers: Since joining the Browns, Watson has played in just 19 games and holds a Total QBR of 33.1, casting doubt on his long-term viability as the franchise quarterback.

With an upcoming cap hit of $80.7 million in 2026, Watson's contract is the largest among NFL quarterbacks, putting pressure on the organization as they seek to rebuild.

The Browns’ use of three different starting quarterbacks in 2025 (Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders) highlights the instability at the position.

Between the lines: This firing could serve as a wake-up call for Watson and the rest of the roster, as the organization seeks not only a new head coach but also a new direction.

Jimmy and Dee Haslam, owners of the Browns, noted their gratitude for Stefanski’s contributions while emphasizing the need for change due to unsatisfactory results.

The next head coach will likely be tasked with revitalizing Watson’s career and restoring confidence in a fanbase that has endured decades of disappointment.

What’s next: As the search for a head coach begins, all eyes will be on how the Browns navigate this transition in the offseason.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for signs of a strategic shift that prioritizes offensive efficiency and cohesion.

The new head coach will need to develop a clear plan to maximize the talents of existing players while potentially seeking additional reinforcements through the draft or free agency.

The bottom line: The Browns’ decision to part ways with Stefanski illustrates the urgency to improve performance and the organization’s commitment to finding a solution for long-term success.