A seismic shift has occurred in the NFL coaching landscape as a two-time NFL Coach of the Year has become unexpectedly available. The Cleveland Browns have parted ways with Kevin Stefanski after a tenure spanning six seasons, positioning him as one of the most experienced coaches in the job market.
In a statement released by Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, they expressed their respect and appreciation for Stefanski’s efforts, stating, “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.”
During his time with the Browns, Stefanski amassed a record of 45-56. Notably, his performance was quite promising in his first four seasons, achieving a 37-30 record despite dealing with frequent changes at the quarterback position. His strategic acumen earned him the NFL Coach of the Year award in 2020 and again in 2023, with the Browns securing 11 victories and playoff appearances in both those seasons.
However, the team’s fortunes took a downturn over the past two years, with the Browns posting a 8-26 record, including a 5-12 finish this season. The instability at quarterback continued to plague the team, with Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders all taking turns as starters in 2025.
He was the NFL Coach of the Year for the 2020 and 2023 seasons, leading the Browns to 11 wins and a playoff berth both times.
But Cleveland went 8-26 over the last two seasons, including 5-12 this year. Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders started games at quarterback for the Browns in 2025.
Stefanski, 43, becomes an intriguing candidate for the Giants (4-13), who fired head coach Brian Daboll in November and promoted Mike Kafka to interim HC for the final seven games.
As the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterbacks coach and later offensive coordinator from 2017-19, Stefanski found success with QBs Case Keenum and Kirk Cousins. Baker Mayfield and Flacco also delivered strong seasons under Stefanski in Cleveland.
From 2019-23, Stefanski’s teams finished between 14th and 18th in total offense every year.
“Working with a young team and imperfect roster, he laid a foundation of professionalism while also creating an environment of learning for a new wave of Browns players,” said Browns general manager Andrew Berry, whom the team retained. “I am disappointed that we could not accomplish more together and the collective underperformance of our group is something I own.”
The Giants’ next coaching staff will be tasked with the development of 22-year-old Jaxson Dart, who just completed a promising rookie season in which he passed for 15 touchdowns against five interceptions and rushed for nine scores.
Stefanski’s exit followed Atlanta’s firing of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot.
