sportsneutral

Why the Cleveland Browns Made a Big Change

Cleveland, Ohio, USAThursday, January 8, 2026
Advertisement

The Cleveland Browns have made a surprising decision, releasing their head coach, Kevin Stefanski. Despite being a two-time Coach of the Year, Stefanski's tenure with the team ended due to recent struggles.

A Mixed Legacy

Stefanski's time in Cleveland wasn't all bad. He guided the Browns to the playoffs and earned a contract extension after the 2023 season. However, the team's performance took a downturn, with a 8-26 record over the past two years, leading to his departure.

Key Factors in the Decision

  • Trade of Joe Flacco: Flacco struggled with the Browns but improved after being traded to the Bengals, which reportedly frustrated ownership.
  • Stepping Back as Play Caller: Stefanski faced criticism for stepping away from his role twice, with no significant improvement in team performance.
  • Quarterback Instability: The Browns have cycled through multiple quarterbacks, including Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Shedeur Sanders, creating uncertainty.

Looking Ahead

The Browns hope a new coach can restore the team's past success. Only time will tell if this bold move will pay off.

Actions