Kevin Stefanski was a two-time AP Coach of the Year for the Cleveland Browns. But that might not be enough to help him get a seventh season coaching the team after a disappointing, last-place playoff-less season in 2025.
It's been widely reported that Stefanski is firmly on the hot seat, which could lead the team to need its 19th full-time coach in franchise history. Although Myles Garrett and the defense continued to be the backbone, the offense still raised big questions with fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders starting at QB down the stretch.
Here's looking at the half-dozen top replacement options for Stefanski.
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Mike LaFleur, Rams offensive coordinator (Age: 38)
Mike LaFleur would keep the offensive-minded style going in replacing Kevin Stefanski and would be a strong influence on Shedeur Sanders or another young franchise QB. He's a good schemer under Stefanski, and the pedigree is there as LaFleur is the brother of Packers coach Matt.
Kelvin Sheppard, Lions defensive coordinator (Age: 38)
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Kelvin Sheppard is the latest rising star from the Detroit Lions under Dan Campbell, after both Ben Johnson (Bears) and Aaron Glenn (Jets) jumped to their first head-coaching jobs after strong coordinating stints. Sheppard has great energy as a motivator and would mesh well with the latest rejuvenation plans in Cleveland.
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Klint Kubiak, Seahawks offensive coordinator (Age: 38)
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Klint Kubiak, the son of Broncos Super Bowl-wining coach Gary, has developed the same kind of offensive acumen. He's crushing it with the Seattle Seahawks, managing to be effective with run-heavy scheming yet also getting the best downfield passing out of QB Sam Darnold. That profile would feel right in Cleveland.
Kliff Kingsbury, Commanders offensive coordinator (Age: 46)
Kliff Kingsbury should have great appeal, too, to attach to Shedeur Sanders or maybe a top draft pick such as Oregon's Dante Moore after what he did early with Kyler Murray in Arizona and Jayden Daniels in Washington. Kingsbury should get a job in this cycle.
Jesse Minter, Chargers defensive coordinator (Age: 42)
Jesse Minter would provide a defensive-minded change straight from the Jim and John Harbaugh tree. He would bring the right, tough AFC North mindset and find the ideal complementary offense.
Brian Flores, Vikings defensive coordinator (Age: 44)
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Brian Flores also should have great appeal to get his second shot as a head coach, well removed from the Miami mess with his stops in Pittsburgh and Minnesota. The former New England Patriots offensive coordinator can blend motivation and a hard-nosed style to get results in Cleveland.