The Cleveland Browns moved into a new era Monday, firing head coach Kevin Stefanski just one day after the regular season ended. As expected, the decision sparked immediate reaction around the NFL.
One of the most closely watched responses came from Deion Sanders, the head coach at Colorado Buffaloes and the father of Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Less than 30 minutes after news of Stefanski’s dismissal became public, Sanders posted a message on social media. He talked about change, growth and optimism entering the new year.
“We’re gonna make it! Please get that in your Heart, your Spirit & your way of Living!” Sanders wrote. “It’s 2026 & that means it’s a New Year therefore it’s time for New Things! A whole new mindset is warranted & must be established right now! We’re gonna Win this Game of Life.”
We're gonna make it! Please get that in your Heart, your Spirit & your way of Living! It's 2026 & that means it's a New Year therefore it's time for New Things! A whole new mindset is warranted & must be established right Now! We're gonna Win this Game of Life. #CoachPrime
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) January 5, 2026
Sanders did not mention Stefanski or the Browns directly, and it remains unclear whether the post was intended as commentary on Cleveland’s coaching change. Still, the timing drew attention given Shedeur Sanders’ eventful rookie season.
Cleveland traded up to select Sanders early in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft. He opened the year as the fourth quarterback on the depth chart before injuries and roster adjustments eventually pushed him into the starting lineup. Once given his opportunity, Sanders showed flashes of promise while navigating the expected inconsistencies of a rookie quarterback.
With Stefanski out, the Browns enter a pivotal offseason. Cleveland holds two first-round picks in the upcoming draft and must determine how aggressively it wants to address the quarterback position.
The next head coach will play a major role in deciding whether Sanders and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel are viewed as a long-term building blocks or part of an open competition. It's a choice that could define the franchise’s direction moving forward.
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