Cleveland Browns fire two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski

by · UPI

Jan. 5 (UPI) -- The Cleveland Browns fired head coach Kevin Stefanski, they announced Monday.

Stefanski led the Browns to a 5-12 record this season and a 45-56 mark over the last six. He won Coach of the Year honors after leading the Browns to 11 wins in 2023 and 2020, when they ended a 17-year playoff drought.

"This was a difficult decision and today is a tough day for our organization because of the impact Kevin has had and the deep, meaningful relationships he has built across our building," Browns general manager Andrew Berry said in a statement.

"We have great respect for Kevin, who has led our organization through both unique and challenging circumstances over his six seasons.

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"Over that time, he has been more than a coach but also a partner, friend and stabilizing force for our team. He has always led authentically and cared deeply for Browns players, coaches and staff all while investing every ounce of energy into improving the team daily."

Berry credited Stefanski for having a steady hand during "the most turbulent part" of a "strategic pivot and transitional period." He also cited a "young team and imperfect roster."

"I am disappointed that we could not accomplish more together and the collective underperformance of our group is something I own," Berry said. "We will remain steadfast in our commitment to our fans in building the Browns into an organization that sustains success.

"Now, our attention turns to the search for the person to lead and develop what will be a young offense with heavy investment over the next six months to match and build on the performance of a young defense that is already playing at an elite level."

Stefanski, a former offensive coordinator and offensive assistant for the Minnesota Vikings, led the Browns to an 11-5 mark in 2020, his first season and their first playoff appearance in nearly two decades.

Stefanski and the Browns' Jan. 10, 2021, Wild Card win over the Pittsburgh Steelers was the franchise's first playoff victory since 1994-95.

The Browns went 8-9 in 2021 and 7-10 in 2022. They rebounded with an 11-6 campaign and second playoff appearance under Stefanski in 2023, when they had the NFL's top defense.

The Browns, who went 3-14 in 2024, started the 2025-26 campaign at 1-5. They had the NFL's No. 2 defense, but totaled the third-fewest yards on offense this season.

"After six seasons as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, I leave with an immense sense of gratitude," Stefanski said in a statement. "When I arrived in January of 2020, this organization, this community and Browns fans embraced me and my family with open arms. I cannot express properly in words how good we have been treated.

"A sincere 'Thank You' to everyone who I have been so blessed to work for and with over these six seasons. I'd like to especially thank my coaching staff and the players who did everything that was ever asked of them. They fought through injury and adversity, while always putting the team first. I wish all of you nothing but success."

The Browns hold the No. 6 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

"We have tremendous gratitude for Kevin's leadership of the Cleveland Browns over the last six seasons," Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said. "He is a good football coach and an even better person.

"We appreciate all his hard work and dedication to our organization but our results over the last two seasons have not been satisfactory, and we believe a change at the head coaching position is necessary.

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