It’s Clear Kevin Stefanski And The Browns are Heading Towards an Awkward Breakup
The Cleveland Browns are stumbling toward the finish line of yet another wasted season, sitting in the basement of the AFC North with a 4-12 record. Remember when owner Jimmy Haslam refused to put a number on how many wins would define success, but claimed they would “know what better looks like”? Well, I think we can all agree: this isn’t it. This is actually much, much worse.
Stefanski Is Going To be The Scapegoat With His Latest Comments
And right in the center of this dumpster fire is Kevin Stefanski. The sixth-year head coach faced the music on Monday following a win against the Steelers, which, ironically, is the only thing keeping the fanbase from a full-blown revolt, and delivered a quote that sounded more like a hostage-proof-of-life video than a vote of confidence.
When asked point-blank if he wanted to continue coaching in Cleveland, Stefanski didn’t say “Yes.” He didn’t say “Absolutely.” He didn’t say “I have unfinished business.” “My sole focus is on this game against Cincinnati, but I will tell you that I’m privileged to have this job,” he said.
The Writing Is On The Wall For Stefanski
Read between the lines. When a coach starts talking about being “privileged” to have a job rather than being excited to keep it, they are already packing up their office. That is the sound of a man who is tired of the dysfunctional franchise. It’s the sound of a professional who knows the axe is swinging and is just trying to keep his dignity intact until Black Monday.
Why wouldn’t he just answer the question? It’s a layup. You just beat your arch-rival. Your young players are clearly still fighting for you. It costs zero dollars to say, “I love this team, and I want to be here.” By dodging the question, Stefanski essentially answered it. Frankly, can you blame him?
A Legacy Of “Almost” And Disaster
It has been a tumultuous six years for Stefanski. He arrived during a global pandemic, which was somehow the easiest part of his tenure. He had to navigate the Odell Beckham Jr. drama. He had to manage the fallout from Baker Mayfield. And then he had to try to win football games after the franchise mortgaged its soul and future for Deshaun Watson, a move that will go down in the history books, not in the chapter about good ideas.
When the Watson experiment inevitably backfired, Stefanski tried to pivot. He went with Joe Flacco. Then he went with rookie Dillon Gabriel over Shedeur Sanders, because he wanted to redshirt Sanders. Then Flacco got traded to the Bengals? The personnel decisions have been a fever dream.
The result is a 7-26 record over the last two seasons. Stefanski has a career regular-season record of 44-56. Yes, he has two Coach of the Year trophies on his mantle, but those feel like ancient artifacts right now.
A Mutual Split Makes Too Much Sense
Here is the reality: Stefanski is only 43 years old. He is well-regarded around the league. The national media still views him as a bright offensive mind who a meddling ownership group handed a raw deal. If he hits the open market, he’s going to get interviews. He might even pull a Mike Vrabel, take a year off, recharge, and pick a destination that doesn’t have a hazmat sign on the front door.
On the flip side, the Browns need a scapegoat. You can’t fire the owner (unfortunately for Cleveland fans), and the roster is locked into some terrifying contracts. The easiest lever to pull is the head coach.
The Browns play the Bengals in Week 18. Stefanski says his “sole focus” is on that game. Don’t believe it. His focus is on updating his resume for new jobs. The marriage is over; they’re just waiting for the paperwork.
