Kevin Stefanski has gone 41-49 in his 90 regular-season games as head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Although he's a two-time AP Coach of the Year with two trips to the playoffs, the rough past two years are difficult to ignore.
Stefanski was 37-30 in his first two years, including two 11-win seasons. Since then, team has gone 4-19 through Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season.
Owner Jimmy Haslam has taken responsibility for the failed blockbuster trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson as the team should still be regretting moving on from now Buccaneers MVP-caliber QB Baker Mayfield.
But the bottom line is that the winning results haven't been there and for having an offensive-minded coach, the Browns field the league's worst offense with no true QB solution. Should Stefanski be the scapegoat and be fired ahead of 2026, here's looking at the top replacement options:
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Browns' best new coaching candidates
Kliff Kingsbury, offensive coordinator, Commanders (age: 46)
Kingsbury is ready to lead a team again after his great initial work with Kyler Murray in Arizona and building on that in turning Jayden Daniels into a quick superstar in Washington. In both situations, Kingsbury joined the team tied to a likely future high-drafted QB. This only works if the Browns can lock down a franchise QB of choice with athleticism to run and the ability to run a spread, Arch Manning or someone else.
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Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator, Browns (age: 59)
The Browns could make a tweak to promoting this former Lions head coach who is now leading their league-wide dominant side of the ball, Myles Garrett and the defense. This would much like the Cowboys elevating Brian Schottenheimer with hopes a most respected familiar leader would have the most positive transitional impact.
Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator, Panthers (age: 44)
Evero has been a rising star for a while, including once working for Sean McVay and the Rams. He's done a good job of reworking the talent in Carolina to field a much-improved defense with key players such as Derrick Brown and Jaycee Horn healthy together. He obviously is used to coaching opposite a No. 1 overall QB (Bryce Young).
Brian Flores, defensive coordinator, Vikings (age: 44)
Flores also should get a second shot and he's also much younger than Schwartz. The Dolphins' deal was raw and it turns out Miami is headed to make another change from Mike McDaniel not long after Flores' tenure. Stefanski didn't quite work out as a former Vikings coordinator in Clevelan,d but that shouldn't stop the pursuit of trying again with a more seasoned Flores.
Joe Brady, offensive coordinator, Bills (age: 36)
Brady is getting on every short coaching replacement list in the NFL with fellow young offensive player Kellen Moore now already having a head gig in New Orleans. Brady has helped lead an explosive, balanced Buffalo attack and mold Josh Allen into a league MVP.
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Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator, Chargers (age: 42)
Minter also should get strong consideration for the Browns from directly under the Jim Harbaugh tree. He can be another good defensive option for someone who understands how to best complement an offense.
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