Since the Browns returned to Cleveland in 1999, most seasons have been a disaster for the franchise. They’ve made the playoffs only four times since then, and the last two were thanks to Kevin Stefanski, whose job as Head Coach is now in serious danger. It will be very difficult for him to remain in that position next season.
Stefanski was named Head Coach of the Year twice, in 2020 and 2023, but he’s coming off a 3-14 season; this one could head in the same direction. With two first-round picks coming in the next draft, team owner Jimmy Haslam might prefer to start a new project. That would likely mean not only Stefanski’s exit but also that of general manager Andrew Berry.
The only person who might save Stefanski and Berry is Shedeur Sanders, who was overlooked throughout the preseason but just earned his first start. If he performs well the rest of the way, the former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback and son of the legend Deion Sanders could save a lot of jobs heading into 2026.
Shedeur Sanders has energized the team
Even though he’s only had one start, Shedeur Sanders has already won the team over. As much as he loves cameras, attention, and controversy, he has carried himself the right way with the Cleveland Browns and has never shown a bad attitude, even though he began as the fourth option among four quarterbacks until his moment finally came.
Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit said he was impressed by everything Sanders brings and offered him words of encouragement: “Man, Shedeur’s got a crazy fan base. The stardom, everything. He’s popping it right now. I tell him to keep popping it, keep doing what he’s doing, and we’ve got him on defense,” the defender said.
And it’s not just Delpit-other players have also been positively impacted by Shedeur Sanders, especially the Browns’ defensive leader Myles Garrett, who was stunned by Sanders’ 50-plus-yard pass to Isaiah Bond. Garrett noted that not everyone can make that kind of throw, but Sanders did.
Shedeur Sanders is having his moment, but this is a week-to-week league. His next test comes Sunday against a tough opponent fighting for a playoff spot: the San Francisco 49ers. Sanders’ first home start is expected to be wild, and although the Browns aren’t the betting favorites, their defense could make life miserable for Brock Purdy.
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