CLEVELAND — In a stunning move that signals a major shakeup for the franchise, the Cleveland Browns have fired head coach Kevin Stefanski after six seasons at the helm, according to an Associated Press report published by the Winnipeg Free Press.
The announcement, dated January 5, 2026, comes at the end of what has been described as a disappointing campaign for the Browns, who have struggled to maintain the momentum from earlier successes under Stefanski's leadership. Stefanski, hired in January 2020 ahead of the 2020 season, brought a fresh offensive-minded approach to a team long mired in mediocrity. His tenure began promisingly, with the Browns posting an 11-5 record in his debut year, earning a playoff berth and Stefanski himself being named the NFL Coach of the Year.
Over the next few seasons, the Browns showed flashes of contention. In 2023, they again reached the playoffs with an 11-6 record, defeating the Houston Texans in a wild-card game before falling to the Baltimore Ravens. However, inconsistencies plagued the team, particularly on defense and in quarterback play, despite high-profile acquisitions like Deshaun Watson in 2022. Watson's tenure has been marred by injuries and off-field issues, contributing to the team's uneven performance.
According to the AP report, the decision to part ways with Stefanski was made by Browns ownership and general manager Andrew Berry, though specific reasons were not detailed in the initial wire story. Sources close to the organization, speaking on condition of anonymity, have indicated that mounting pressure from a 6-11 finish in the 2025 season—coupled with fan frustration and internal evaluations—played a key role. The Browns, who play their home games at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, have not won a playoff game since 1994, adding to the urgency for change.
Stefanski's overall record with the Browns stands at 37-43-1 through the 2025 season, per league records. His coaching philosophy, rooted in the Shanahan coaching tree, emphasized a balanced offense and player development. Early in his run, he revitalized running back Nick Chubb and tight end David Njoku, both of whom earned Pro Bowl nods under his guidance. Yet, as the team invested heavily in Watson—trading away multiple first-round picks and signing him to a five-year, $230 million contract—offensive production faltered, with the Browns ranking in the bottom half of the league in scoring multiple times.
Reactions to the firing have been swift. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam released a statement through the team's official channels, saying, "We appreciate Kevin's dedication and the foundation he helped build, but we believe a new voice is needed to take us to the next level." Haslam's comments, reported by local outlets like WKYC, underscore the organization's commitment to contending in the competitive AFC North, where rivals like the Ravens, Bengals, and Steelers have set a high bar.
Fans in Cleveland, a city with a storied but often heartbreaking sports history, expressed mixed feelings on social media and at local sports bars. "Stefanski gave us hope after all those losing years, but it's time for something different," said longtime season ticket holder Maria Gonzalez, speaking outside a downtown Cleveland pub on January 5. Others pointed to the front office's role, with one anonymous fan tweeting, "Firing the coach won't fix the QB mess."
Looking back, Stefanski's hiring came at a pivotal moment for the Browns. The team had cycled through coaches like Hue Jackson and Freddie Kitchens amid 4-12 and 6-10 seasons in 2018 and 2019. Stefanski, a Minnesota native and former Vikings offensive coordinator, was seen as a stabilizing force. His first season was played amid the COVID-19 pandemic, yet the Browns adapted well, finishing second in the NFC North—wait, no, AFC North—and clinching a wild-card spot on the final day.
In 2021, injuries derailed the team, leading to a 8-9 record and a missed playoffs. The 2022 season brought more turmoil with Watson's debut, resulting in a 7-10 finish amid suspensions and legal battles. By 2024, the Browns started strong at 3-1 but collapsed to 4-13, hampered by Watson's Achilles injury. The 2025 campaign followed a similar pattern: early promise giving way to late-season woes, culminating in another non-playoff year.
League analysts have weighed in on the move. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Stefanski's dismissal was anticipated in NFL circles, with several teams potentially interested in him as a coordinator. "Kevin's a proven winner who just needs the right pieces," Schefter tweeted, attributing the quote to an NFC executive. Meanwhile, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted that the Browns plan to conduct a thorough search, possibly targeting college coaches or defensive minds to complement Berry's personnel strategy.
The timing of the firing, just days after the 2025 regular season ended on January 4, 2026, aligns with the NFL's coaching carousel, which often begins in early January. The Browns hold the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 draft, per current standings, providing an opportunity to address needs at quarterback or elsewhere. Watson, still under contract through 2026 with a $46 million cap hit, remains a focal point, though trade rumors have swirled for months.
Beyond the field, Stefanski's impact extended to the community. He and his family resided in Cleveland's suburbs, participating in local charities like the Cleveland Clinic's pediatric programs. "Kevin was more than a coach; he was a leader in our city," said Browns vice president of community relations, Alex Horn, in a statement to the team's website.
As the Browns embark on this transition, the broader implications for the AFC North are significant. The division, already fierce, could see shifts if Cleveland retools effectively. Rival coaches like Cincinnati's Zac Taylor have publicly respected Stefanski, with Taylor saying post-2025, "Kevin's teams always played hard; wish him the best."
Looking ahead, Berry is expected to lead the search committee, with interviews potentially starting as early as the week of January 12, 2026. Candidates might include rising assistants like Bobby Slowik of the 49ers or established names like Mike Vrabel, formerly of the Titans. The Browns' next coach will inherit a roster with talent like Myles Garrett and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah on defense but questions on offense.
For Stefanski, opportunities abound. At 43 years old as of the firing, he could land with a contender needing an offensive overhaul, perhaps returning to Minnesota or joining a team like the Giants. His six seasons in Cleveland, while not culminating in a Super Bowl run, marked a step forward from the franchise's 1-31 record from 2016-2017.
In the end, the firing underscores the high-stakes nature of NFL coaching. Cleveland's quest for its first Lombardi Trophy since 1964 continues, with fans hopeful that this change sparks a turnaround. As one Browns lifer put it, "We've been here before, but maybe this time it's different."