The Cleveland Browns Are at a Crossroads: The Stefanski Era Nears Its End?

The Cleveland Browns face a crossroads as the 2025–2026 season becomes yet another wash for a playoff-hopeful defense and a middle school–level offense. Following a devastating loss to the 1–7 (now 2–7) New York Jets, the only team with a lower playoff chance than the Browns is the floundering Tennessee Titans.

This marks the fourth time in the Kevin Stefanski era that the Browns have not only failed to make the playoffs but also failed to finish a season above .500. With a 40–44 regular-season record and a 1–2 playoff record, the two-time NFL Coach of the Year entered the 2025 season with high expectations following a disastrous end to 2024. He had a defense expected to be among the league’s best and two rookie quarterbacks eager to prove they belong in the NFL.

A Season Spiraling Out of Control

After an abysmal 1–4 start—being outscored 105–53—it was clear the offense needed a spark. Something fresh to revive what was once a playoff-caliber unit. Stefanski faced two options to take the reins from struggling veteran QB Joe Flacco.

Fans clamored for fifth-round pick and Colorado star Shedeur Sanders, believing the 23-year-old was the future of the Cleveland Browns—a diamond in the rough whose talent and swagger could elevate an offense desperate for consistency.

Instead, on October 1st, 2025, Stefanski made a decision that might become the first domino in his downfall in Cleveland. After going 25-of-37 for 272 yards, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception across two preseason games, Dillon Gabriel, the 94th overall pick out of Oregon, was named the new starting QB.

Since that decision, the Browns have won only one additional game, falling to a 2–7 record. The offense hasn’t looked any better, being outscored 134–65 in their last five games. The defense, once elite, has looked like a shell of itself. Now, as Gabriel continues to struggle, the pressure is mounting from both the media and the fanbase. And Kevin Stefanski finds himself in a precarious position—one that could define his tenure in Cleveland.

The Stefanski Dilemma

Regardless of how fans feel about his play-calling or coaching ability, Kevin Stefanski has been the driving force behind the Browns’ recent organizational changes, alongside GM Andrew Berry—for better or worse. His accolades and his ability to navigate a roster with the consistency of Ohio weather prove his worth.

However, there’s an argument that many of the team’s struggles fall squarely on his shoulders. Still, he’s shown he can turn a franchise around. He did so in Cleveland—two playoff appearances in five years, becoming the first Browns head coach to lead the team to multiple postseason berths since Marty Schottenheimer in the 1980s.

Despite falling short of the Super Bowl in both appearances, Stefanski’s impact was undeniable. Those playoff runs marked the beginning of something new for Cleveland.

The Storm Ahead

As this season winds down and the Browns once again fall short of expectations, the stakes this offseason couldn’t be higher. Tension is rising between players, coaches, and the front office. A wave of change is coming to Cleveland—one that could very well end with Stefanski’s departure.

If that happens, the Browns face an unenviable task: finding someone better. Stefanski is a two-time Coach of the Year, after all. And despite the rumors, Bill Belichick isn’t leaving UNC to coach the Browns—or the Giants, for that matter.

Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz seems to be the fan favorite due to his success leading the Browns’ defense. However, there are serious concerns with that route. Despite his “tough love” persona, Schwartz hasn’t proven he can lead an entire team. Yes, credit where it’s due—the 2023 season was outstanding defensively. Four games where opponents scored 30+ points, yet the defense remained one of the most dominant in football. But when it mattered most, they disappeared.

Now, defensive leaders are running to the media to criticize the offense—something a true head coach would never allow. Even if Schwartz were promoted, his lack of leadership traits makes it hard to imagine he’d find real success in the role.

What Comes Next?

There’s a very real chance Stefanski leaves Cleveland—either by choice or because Andrew Berry uses him as a scapegoat for his repeated failures in the draft. If that happens, the Browns’ options for a new head coach are slim, and immediate success is unlikely.

Potential openings this offseason include the Bengals, Titans, Dolphins, Jets, and Giants. On paper, the Bengals might look the most appealing, but with a broken defense and an injury-prone offense, Stefanski could view them as another version of the Browns.

The New York Giants, however, make far more sense—especially after parting ways with Brian Daboll. With young talents like Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo, plus a fanbase starving for success, New York could offer Stefanski a clean slate.

And if he finds even modest success in the Big Apple, Browns fans will likely look back with regret—just as they’ve done with so many players and coaches before—wishing they’d appreciated him while he was still in Cleveland.