The Cleveland Browns are weighing Kevin Stefanski’s future as the head coach over the final three games of the season. But if they decide to let him go, he won’t be unemployed for long.
Stefanski is a two-time Coach of the Year but the Browns have gone 6-25 over the past two seasons. Everything is under “evaluation” per Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, including Stefanski’s job.
“No decisions have been made on the future of Kevin Stefanski, the two-time NFL Coach of the Year. The Browns know Stefanski can coach, and he has maintained a consistent approach amid the adversity of a transition year with a young roster,” the insiders said. “But the hard reality is the Browns are 6-25 over the past two seasons, putting everything up for evaluation.”
That said, if the Browns do decide to move on, Stefanski wouldn’t be short on offers to coach elsewhere.
“Does owner Jimmy Haslam believe Stefanski is the right coach to bring a young team and young quarterback(s) into the next phase of the Browns’ build? If not, Haslam might opt to move on, and Stefanski would immediately become a top candidate elsewhere,” they said.
Jimmy Haslam Previously Backed Kevin Stefanski, Tempered Expectations
Expectations were modest for the Browns this season, with uncertainty at quarterback and limited offensive weapons. Haslam referenced Stefanski enduring “tough breaks” in recent years, largely pointing to the fallout from the failed blockbuster trade for Deshaun Watson.
“Kevin’s done a really good job with us, and we’ve had some tough breaks,” Haslam said, per The Athletic. “A big trade we made didn’t work out, and you know, we’re all suffering from that. Kevin, I thought, really did a great job of rallying the troops last week at a really critical time. You find out about leaders when things are bad, not when they’re good, and he did a good job last week.”
But the Browns have not played sound football in recent weeks. Penalties have mounted, and avoidable miscues have become routine. The issues have been less about talent on the roster and more about a breakdown in execution and process.
Final Games Important for Browns QB Shedeur Sanders
The Browns are eliminated from playoff contention, but there’s still a lot at stake for a lot of players. That is true for quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who is looking to prove he can be a long-term option.
Sanders has passed for 946 yards, five touchdowns and six interceptions through four starts. He’s shown he can make big plays. Against the Bills, Sanders is looking to operate with more consistency.
“I just got to get more completions,” Sanders said. “And even whenever we’re down or anything, I can’t press, you know, I just gotta remain having those mental notes to myself. Just work within the game and just keep driving the ball, get first downs.”
Sanders will play without two key weapons against the Bills. Running back Dylan Sampson and tight end David Njoku are both out. Cleveland might also be shorthanded on the offensive line — again. Tackle Jack Conklin is out, while guard Wyatt Teller is questionable.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Browns Put on Notice About Firing Kevin Stefanski appeared first on Heavy Sports.