The Cleveland Browns’ 2025 season hit a new low following a humiliating 31-3 loss to the Chicago Bears, dropping the franchise to a 3-11 record and triggering a fresh wave of criticism directed at head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Frustration among fans and media figures has boiled over, with many questioning whether this collapse signals the end of Stefanski‘s tenure in Cleveland.
ESPN Cleveland radio host Tony Rizzo captured the mood of many supporters after the Bears defeat when he openly questioned the coach’s job security.
“HOW DOES THIS GUY HAVE A JOB THIS MORNING???” Rizzo exclaimed during his show. “I guess we’ll ride it to the end of this year.”
His blunt commentary reflected widespread dissatisfaction with a season that has failed to produce direction or consistency, particularly on offense.
Much of the ire revolves around Stefanski‘s handling of the quarterback position. After beginning the year with veteran Joe Flacco and then moving to Dillon Gabriel, the Browns are now four weeks into the experiment with rookie Shedeur Sanders, an approach that has yielded mixed results at best.
Sanders‘ recent performance was marred by interceptions and team miscues, including a critical wristband error that forced a mid game adjustment to his play calling equipment.
Stefanski addressed the malfunction, offering a terse explanation: “There was a miscommunication early. The wristband got something on it or whatever it was…we got that fixed pretty quickly,” he said in the aftermath of the loss. Sanders echoed the issue, clarifying, “The card just fell out. It just fell out on the sideline. That was it.”
These technical mishaps have amplified the narrative that the Browns’ offense is struggling under an uncertain leadership structure.
Despite the mounting criticism, many voices in and around the organization remain cagey about Stefanski‘s future. When directly confronted about the speculation surrounding his job, Stefanski deflected, saying, “I’m not going to get into those types of things. I’m, obviously, focused on what’s in front of us.”
Unrest spreads beyond the stadium
Around the league and on social media, the debate over Stefanski‘s role and the Browns’ broader strategy has grown more intense.
ESPN analyst Ryan Clark went as far as suggesting radical changes if Cleveland’s quarterback plans aren’t clarified, arguing that the team needs a decisive direction at the position.
“If he’s not named the backup quarterback, it’s time to part ways,” Clark said, in relation to Sanders’ role.
Meanwhile, pundits like Skip Bayless have made even stronger statements about the coach’s future, suggesting that serious organizational changes may be required if the Browns hope to unlock their young talent.
Fans themselves are increasingly vocal, with some criticizing the lack of offensive clarity and calling for leadership changes, while others defend Stefanski’s approach amid a roster beset by growing pains and inconsistent execution. Some observers point to the difficulty of coaching in Cleveland’s passionate environment, where expectations can shift rapidly.
Regardless of perspective, the turning point appears to have arrived. With remaining games against challenging opponents and a fan base on edge, the Browns’ leadership faces a critical assessment.
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