Cleveland Browns Fire Kevin Stefanski After Six Seasons and 5-12 Finish

Cleveland Browns Part Ways with Kevin Stefanski: End of an Era After Disappointing 2025 SeasonThe Cleveland Browns officially fired head coach Kevin Stefanski on January 5, 2026, following a 5-12 finish to the 2025 NFL season. The move, announced the day after a narrow 20-18 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18, ends Stefanski's six-year tenure that featured highs like two Coach of the Year awards and playoff berths but ultimately succumbed to recent struggles, including an 8-26 record over the last two seasons.Owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam stated: "We have tremendous gratitude for Kevin’s leadership of the Cleveland Browns over the last six seasons. He is a good football coach and an even better person... but our results over the last two seasons have not been satisfactory, and we believe a change at the head coaching position is necessary."General Manager Andrew Berry will remain in place and lead the search for Stefanski's replacement, with the team committing to interview external minority candidates per the Rooney Rule.Stefanski's Overall Record and Legacy with the BrownsHired in January 2020 from the Minnesota Vikings' offensive coordinator role, Stefanski compiled a 45-56 regular-season record. His highlights include:2020: 11-5 record, first playoff appearance and win since 1994 (48-37 over Pittsburgh), NFL Coach of the Year. 2023: 11-6 record with five different starting QBs, another playoff berth, second Coach of the Year award. However, the Browns made the playoffs only twice in his tenure, and the team never advanced beyond the Wild Card round in recent appearances.Why the Browns Fired Kevin Stefanski NowThe decision stems primarily from quarterback instability and offensive woes tied to the 2022 Deshaun Watson trade. Watson played only 19 games due to suspension and injuries, posting a 9-10 record as starter, while his $230 million fully guaranteed contract created massive cap challenges ($80.7 million hit in 2026).Recent seasons saw offensive collapses: second-fewest points per game in 2025, multiple midseason play-calling handovers, and reliance on rookies like Shedeur Sanders (3-4 as starter) and Dillon Gabriel.Despite a top-ranked defense led by Myles Garrett and a strong 2025 draft class, the lack of sustained success—especially back-to-back double-digit loss seasons—proved insurmountable.What's Next for the Cleveland Browns?The coaching search begins immediately, with Berry at the helm. Potential candidates could include experienced names or rising coordinators, as the team eyes a reset around young talent like Sanders, linebacker Carson Schwesinger (Defensive Player of the Year favorite), and others.Watson remains under contract for 2026, complicating cap space and QB decisions. The Browns hold a top-10 draft pick, offering opportunities to bolster the roster.Fan Reactions and Broader ContextBrowns fans expressed mixed emotions: appreciation for Stefanski's early successes and ending the playoff drought, but frustration over recent stagnation and the Watson saga. Social media buzzed with calls for stability, while analysts noted Stefanski's likely quick interest from other teams given his track record.This firing continues the Haslams' pattern of changes since purchasing the team in 2012, marking the latest in a long line of coaches.Stefanski, 43, leaves with gratitude: "I leave with an immense sense of gratitude... this organization, this community and Browns fans embraced me and my family with open arms."As Black Monday unfolds across the NFL, the Browns turn the page, hoping a new voice can finally break the cycle of mediocrity.