If you thought this 2026 could not start more shaky, the Cleveland Browns decided to put an end to the Kevin Stefanski era this Monday, January 5, 2026 after six seasons as head coach with two of them as NFL Coach of the Year, providing the franchise with some of its most legendary moments in decades.
After obtaining a dissapointing 5-12 record this season so far, Stefanski released a poignant farewell message, His words, ones of honouring, eflected a man leaving with his head held high, aware of the good things he has done and focusing on the human connections he forged since his arrival in 2020.
A message of deep gratitude
On the Cleveland Browns official X account, a picture of Stefanski along with a text was shared to their followers and the world. They indicated that this Stefanski message wants to show gratitude to the team, community and Browns fans. The text read:
“After six seasons as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, I leave with an immense sense of gratitude. 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.”
This message, coming from a coach who arrived during the onset of a global pandemic and navigated the intense pressures of the NFL, Stefanski’s tenure and legacy will be remembered with class and professionalism.
Stefanski era by the numbers
While the last two seasons are the ones that led the front office to make the decision of a change, Stefanski’s historical impact on the Browns is undeniable. He leaves as the winningest coach in the franchise’s modern era with:
- 46 total wins
- 2 Playoff Appearences (2020, 2023)
- 1 Postseason wins
- 2x Associated Press Coach of the Year (2020, 2023)
While owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam have confirmed that General Manager Andrew Berry will remain to lead the search for a new head coach that builds the team around a young core, Stefanski leaves a blueprint of dugnity and success that will be rememberes long after the 2025 season fades.
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