The Cleveland Browns officially turned the page on the Kevin Stefanski era this week, and team owner Jimmy Haslam did not hide his frustration with how the past two seasons unfolded. After managing just eight wins across the last two years, the Browns decided a reset was necessary, even if it meant moving on from one of the most successful coaches the franchise has employed in decades.
Stefanski was dismissed on January 5, a decision Haslam and his wife Dee described as difficult but ultimately unavoidable given the team’s trajectory.
“We have tremendous gratitude for Kevin’s leadership of the Cleveland Browns over the last six seasons,” the Haslams said in a statement. “He is a good football coach and an even better person… but our results over the last two seasons have not been satisfactory, and we believe a change at the head coaching position is necessary.”
A successful start that faded over time for Stefanski
When Stefanski arrived in Cleveland in January 2020, he helped stabilize a franchise long defined by turnover and disappointment. In his first season, he guided the Browns to their first playoff appearance since 2002 and delivered the organization’s first postseason win in 26 years. That year, he earned AP NFL Coach of the Year honors, a feat he repeated again in 2023.
Over six seasons, Stefanski led the Browns to two playoff appearances and two 11-win campaigns, joining Hall of Famer Paul Brown as the only coaches in team history to reach that milestone multiple times. Despite those highs, the last two seasons told a different story.
Cleveland finished the 2025 campaign at 5-12, and Stefanski’s overall record with the team closed at 45-56. For Haslam, the stagnation outweighed the early success.
“Our focus is on building a team that brings our fans the success they long deserve,” the Haslams said. “We will continue to invest whatever resources are necessary to build a winning football program.”
Stefanski says good bye to the Browns
The now ex-coach of the Cleveland franchise said farewell to a team that was his home for six seasons and gave hime two NFL Coach of the Year awards.
“After six seasons as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, I leave with an immense sense of gratitude,” Stefanski said in a statement. “When I arrived in January of 2020, this organization, this community and Browns fans embraced me and my family with open arms. I cannot express properly in words how good we have been treated. A sincere ‘Thank You’ to everyone who I have been so blessed to work for and with over these six seasons. I’d like to especially thank my coaching staff and the players who did everything that was ever asked of them. They fought through injury and adversity, while always putting the TEAM FIRST. I wish all of you nothing but success.”
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