NFL head coaches are hired to be fired, but for some, a firing isn't necessarily the end of the line.
While a few head coaches face a tougher path to a second opportunity than others, others are destined for another shot. When Mike Vrabel was fired by the Tennessee Titans, for example, there was no doubt he would be a head coach again.
Former Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski likely falls into that category. The two-time Coach of the Year was fired by the Browns after six seasons, but he is respected enough that another opportunity could come knocking as early as this offseason.
Here's a look at what might be next for Stefanski after six seasons in Cleveland.
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What's next for Kevin Stefanski?
Some head coaches opt to take a year to reset and prepare for the next opportunity. Stefanski, however, appears ready to jump back in. He is "eager" to continue coaching, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, who adds that other teams with head coaching vacancies are expected to show interest.
ESPN's Adam Schefter also reported Stefanski is "expected to be one of the top candidates in this hiring cycle."
With defensive assistants receiving the most buzz of the up-and-coming head coaching candidates this offseason, Stefanski's experience and offensive background could make him a top target for a few vacancies. Here's a look at the options for Stefanski.
New York Giants
Stefanski grew up not too far away from the New York area in Philadelphia, but that's only one reason why the New York Giants could target him as their next head coach.
The Giants clearly have something in Jaxson Dart, who was promising even in losses this season as he played without Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo for long portions of the year. While their instinct may push them toward a defensive-minded head coach after mixed results under Brian Daboll, the Giants would do well to bring in Stefanski to continue molding Dart and restore some respectability to the franchise.
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans seem likely to prioritize experience after Brian Callahan's failed stint in Nashville. Of their first four interview requests, only one candidate hasn't previously been a head coach. Stefanski brings experience to the table, but he is also young enough to be a long-term fixture in the role.
For Stefanski, the open Titans job could be particularly intriguing because of the chance to work with a promising young in QB Cam Ward and a state-of-the-art new stadium opening in 2027. On the other hand, Tennessee's ownership has received criticism for constant turnover in recent years, with a general manager or head coach ousted in each of the last four seasons. If Stefanski can receive some assurance that he will be given time to right the ship, he could be a strong fit.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders are about to hire their 13th full-time head coach in a span of 25 seasons, and owner Mark Davis has shown nothing that indicates he or minority owner Tom Brady can effectively run a franchise. After his time in Cleveland, that may not be what Stefanski is looking for. On the other hand, the chance to work with the No. 1 overall pick — whether that is Fernando Mendoza or Dante Moore — could be intriguing for Stefanski. The Raiders seem content to start with a blank slate in 2026, and bringing in a coach who knows what it's like to go to the playoffs with a downtrodden organization could be wise.
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Kevin Stefanski coaching record
| Season | W | L | Pct. |
| 2020 | 11 | 5 | .688 |
| 2021 | 8 | 9 | .471 |
| 2022 | 7 | 10 | .412 |
| 2023 | 11 | 6 | .647 |
| 2024 | 3 | 14 | .176 |
| 2025 | 5 | 12 | .294 |
| Career | 45 | 56 | .446 |
Stefanski won at least seven games in each of his first four seasons with the Browns, including a pair of 11-win seasons resulting in playoff appearances, but he went just 8-26 from 2024 onward and finished his time in Cleveland with a 45-56 overall record.
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How old is Kevin Stefanski?
Stefanski is 43 years old; he is set to turn 44 in May.
While it may seem like Stefanski has been a fixture in the NFL for a little while now, he is still as young as many of the up-and-coming assistants in the conversation for head coaching opportunities. Stefanski's combination of youth and experience figures to earn him another opportunity sooner rather than later.