Kevin Stefanski is on the hot seat but Cleveland Browns veteran Joel Bitonio believes that he should remain the coach.
Stefanski is a two-time NFL Coach of the Year, but the Browns have struggled in back-to-back seasons. Cleveland won just three games last season and sits at 3-12 with two games remaining.
It’s led to some very logical speculation that Stefanski could be let go at the end of the season. Bitonio knows that winning is the ultimate goal for any franchise but does not think Stefanski has lost the locker room.
“I think he’s a good football coach. We have not won. And he will tell you firsthand winning matters in this league and we haven’t done that. But as a coach goes, I have the highest respect for him, what he’s done here,” Bitonio said. “And I know it is what you’ve done now, but we’ve been to two playoff games. We’ve had winning records. We’ve been competitive. Is it where we’re at right now? We don’t want to be there. But I think if we get the right pieces and we keep improving, I think that’s a guy you can build around. Two-time coach of the year, he has the respect of his peers. I think you saw it this last week. The team is motivated to play. We’re trying to win games. I think he has respect in the locker room.”
Joel Bitonio: Hard for Browns to Win Without QB
The biggest hurdle for Stefanski and the Browns has been inconsistent quarterback play. The franchise hoped a 2022 blockbuster move for Deshaun Watson would be the solution, but it’s been the opposite. The move has handicapped the franchise thanks to his $230 million guaranteed contract, and Watson has rarely been available. And when he has been on the field, his play has been subpar.
Stefanski has managed to navigate the Browns’ quarterback instability at times, but Bitonio acknowledged that the ongoing uncertainty at the game’s most important position has been a major obstacle.
“I mean, you saw him in 2023. We had five different quarterbacks start games or six or however many it was. And then the last two years, it’s been a rotation of quarterbacks. And we’re working,” Bitonio said. “We have a couple young rookie quarterbacks that are playing and showing promise. But until that quarterback position is solved in the NFL, it is hard to win games. It is the most important position in sports. And you’re trying to build a defense that has shown that they can be elite and you want to build around these great quarterbacks. But yes, it is difficult for a coach to definitely navigate that.”
Browns Undecided on Kevin Stefanski
The Browns have yet to decide on Stefanski’s future, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Pelissero also noted that if Stefanski is let go, he’d be a top candidate for any openings around the league.
“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?” Pelissero said. “If not, Haslam might opt to move on, and Stefanski would immediately become a top candidate elsewhere.”
The New York Giants and Tennessee Titans already have openings. And there could be a few more once the season ends.
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