The Cleveland Browns are 4-12 this season, and while there are some positives to take away from this season, it's the second straight letdown season.
That leaves head coach Kevin Stefanski with an uncertain job status for the 2026 NFL season. While Stefanski would be a hot commodity this offseason if the Browns fired him, such a future is very possible.
If the Browns do fire Stefanski, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reveals that the Browns could then turn to an interesting AFC East head coach as his replacement. That coach is Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel.
Browns eyeing Mike McDaniel as potential Stefanski replacement
"My sense is that McDaniel would be a candidate in Cleveland," Fowler writes, "should the Dolphins move on and Cleveland's job open."
There are some caveats with this rumor, in that the Browns would need to fire Stefanski, and the Dolphins would need to fire McDaniel. Neither is certain, and even if the Browns do part with Stefanski, McDaniel looks to have a safe job.
Things could obviously change, and if such a scenario does occur, with both being relieved of their jobs, then the Browns would consider turning to McDaniel for their head coaching gig in 2026 and beyond.
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Despite how poorly things have gone in Miami, the Dolphins' head coach would be an even hotter commodity this offseason than Stefanski.
Both head coaches would draw a lot of attention with a lackluster offensive-minded coaching field, and for Cleveland, McDaniel would be a top name to monitor as the offseason and coaching carousel progress.
For now, Cleveland hasn't made anything official. But the writing is on the wall: Stefanski looks to be on his way out this offseason. And if McDaniel joins him in getting fired, the Browns are one team to watch in the McDaniel sweepstakes.
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