The Cleveland Browns have decided to make some changes after another disappointing season.
The Browns announced on Monday that the team has decided to fire head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Following another disappointing season for the Browns, Stefanski’s future was in question. His name surfaced as a potential candidate for firing. Yet, there were also reports that the Browns could look to trade him, but that won’t happen.
Meanwhile, despite Stefanski being let go, Cleveland is keeping general manager Andrew Berry.
Stefanski had been the Browns’ head coach since 2020, and he went 45-56 over six seasons. He did lead Cleveland to the playoffs in his first and fourth seasons with the team, but after back-to-back seasons going 3-14 and 5-12, the team decided to move on.
Berry, meanwhile, will remain in Cleveland as the team’s general manager, a role he’s had since 2020. In June of 2024, both Berry and Stefanski were handed contract extensions, but only Berry will see that through.
Browns Issue Statement on Stefanski & Berry
Following Cleveland’s decision, Browns’ owner Dee and Jimmy Haslam released a statement.
“We have tremendous gratitude for Kevin’s leadership of the Cleveland Browns over the last six seasons,” Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a statement. “He is a good football coach and an even better person. We appreciate all his hard work and dedication to our organization. But our results over the last two seasons have not been satisfactory, and we believe a change at the head coaching position is necessary. We wish Kevin, Michelle, and the Stefanski family all the best in the future.
“Andrew Berry will continue to lead our football operations. The entirety of our focus is on building a team that brings our fans the success they long deserve, and we will continue to work relentlessly towards that goal and invest whatever resources necessary to build a winning football program. Andrew will immediately begin our thorough process to find an outstanding new head coach and leader of our football team. We have an exciting young core to build upon, and Andrew and his team are intent on adding talent to this core and building out a roster that can achieve sustainable success.”
Berry will lead the search for a new head coach for the Browns. He will also get ready for Cleveland for a pivotal 2026 NFL Draft, where the Browns have two first-round picks and could look to trade up for their franchise quarterback.
Browns GM Calls Firing Stefanski a ‘Difficult’ Decision
Although Cleveland had struggled, Stefanski has been considered a top-level coach in the NFL.
“This was a difficult decision and today is a tough day for our organization because of the impact Kevin has had and the deep, meaningful relationships he has built across our building,” Berry said in a statement. “We have great respect for Kevin, who has led our organization through both unique and challenging circumstances over his six seasons.
“Over that time, he has been more than a coach but also a partner, friend and stabilizing force for our team. He has always led authentically and cared deeply for Browns players, coaches and staff. All while investing every ounce of energy into improving the team daily.”
Berry, meanwhile, said he was disappointed he and Stefanski couldn’t bring a winner to Cleveland. But the general manager said the focus turns to hiring the right head coach.
“Now, our attention turns to the search for the person to lead and develop what will be a young offense with heavy investment over the next six months to match and build on the performance of a young defense that is already playing at an elite level,” Berry concluded.
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