Kevin Stefanski arrived in Cleveland with the mission of stabilizing the Browns, and he succeeded. The real question now is whether he’ll be able to keep the team afloat in 2025 and survive a season filled with controversy, including the puzzling decision to carry four quarterbacks into training camp.
Many voices are suggesting Stefanski’s job may be in danger this year. Several analysts have weighed in on what the team’s performance could look like in 2024, and what may happen to Stefanski if things don’t go as fans in Cleveland are hoping.
Aaron Schatz of 92.3 The Fan is among those who’ve spoken out since early July:
I think showing that the team won’t quit on him might be the biggest thing. Nobody looks at the situation in Cleveland and thinks this is his fault, but it might not matter.
Cleveland’s current big mistake
Last season, the Browns collapsed, finishing with a 3-14 record. The front office was deeply concerned, especially since it had appeared things were finally starting to trend in the right direction. But after an in-depth evaluation, the franchise concluded there was an enormous problem sitting in the locker room: Deshaun Watson.
Unable to undo the $230 million mistake they made with Watson, the organization is now looking for someone else to blame for the team’s poor results-and that person is the head coach.
In a feature by Cleveland reporter Daniel Oyefusi on AFC North coaches, it’s revealed that Stefanski continues to put his faith in Watson, failing to realize he’s become a stumbling block preventing the team from gaining momentum.
This year, Stefanski has returned to the play-calling style that earned him Coach of the Year honors in 2020. But the problem is he no longer has stars like Amari Cooper and Za’Darius Smith, who have moved on, leaving the team in a much tougher spot.
Confidenceis is no longer a strength
Externally, it may appear confidence in Stefanski remains intact, but signs suggest patience has run out. The Browns have cycled through four defensive coordinators in five years and managed just one playoff win in that time. The fan base seems to have reverted to its old pessimism, once again expecting the worst.
Betting on experience over youth
Despite Shedeur Sanders proving his dedication-often staying late to study film after teammates have left-his effort doesn’t appear to carry much weight with Stefanski.
According to team insiders, Sanders won’t play in Week 1 of the preseason unless the game is already well in hand. Stefanski isn’t willing to risk a rookie when wins are on the line.
Instead, Joe Flacco will start the preseason. Stefanski is playing it safe.
Former Chiefs lineman Kyle Long summed it up best on NFL on CBS: “Joe Flacco is the oil business. These young men are going to get spit out the back end of an oil rig, and Flacco will emerge victorious.”
Maybe Shedeur is the future, but whether that’s with the Browns remains to be seen. For now, the franchise is in survival mode, and no one knows that better than the man sitting on the hot seat.
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