Kevin Stefanski won the 2020 AP Head Coach of the Year for putting his Cleveland Browns into the playoffs.
But it’s not like the Pro Football Hall of Fame is carving a bust for him just yet.
Stefanski’s name will probably find its way into a little niche of the Hall in recognition of his 2020 award.
THAT’S OUR COACH. 😤
Kevin Stefanski is the 2020 Coach of the Year! pic.twitter.com/EtY4p6ByrF
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) February 7, 2021
But he’ll find two of his assistant coaches beat him to the punch.
The Hall of Fame already procured memorabilia from special teams coordinator, Mike Priefer, and Chief of Staff, Callie Brownson.
Each has a display recognizing something special they did during the 2020 season.
With 17 inducted members of the NFL Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Browns are well-represented in Canton.
But Brownson and Priefer added more NFL history for the hallowed halls to recognize.
Callie Brownson, First Female NFL Position Coach
Brownson was already part of NFL history as the first female Chief of Staff in the NFL.
But it was her role in the Browns 27-25 Week 12 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars that brought the Hall knocking.
That was when she took over as the tight ends coach and became the first female position coach ever.
This past weekend, @Browns Chief of Staff @CalBrown17 visited the Pro Football Hall of Fame. She was honored to see her artifacts from the 2020 @NFL season on display in the Pro Football Today Gallery. pic.twitter.com/DkvdDjyhL9
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) February 8, 2021
Brownson can thank Drew Petzing’s wife for the honor.
The Petzing family welcomed their new child into the world shortly before the game was to kick off.
To help recognize the moment, Brownson sent an autographed game ball and the jacket she wore on the sidelines.
The items are displayed in the Pro Football Today gallery in recognition of her achievements.
Mike Priefer, First Acting Head Coach to Win a Playoff Game
Mike Priefer was the head coach for a day once before in his career.
Back in 2016, he covered for the Minnesota Vikings’ head coach, Mike Zimmer.
Priefer almost led the Vikings to an upset of the 10-1 Dallas Cowboys, falling 17-15 after a failed 2-point conversion.
That coaching moment led his sons to call him, “0 and 1.”
But that was before Priefer led the Browns to a Wild Card victory over the vaunted Pittsburgh Steelers this year.
New to arrive in Canton: the game-worn sideline gear of @Browns ST coordinator Mike Priefer. Items were used during the Browns’ Wild Card Round playoff game on 1/10/21. Priefer became the 1st acting head coach in @NFL history to win a playoff game.
More: https://t.co/TSXAecHaJV pic.twitter.com/JZt8SXUBXO
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) February 8, 2021
Kevin Stefanski’s Covid moment opened the door for Priefer’s second chance as the Top Dawg.
Now “Mr. .500” has a display in the NFL Hall of Fame noting his status as the only acting head coach to win an NFL playoff game.
Priefer’s jacket and headset sit under glass right next to another head coach who’s won a few NFL games, Andy Reid.
With Brownson, Priefer, and 2021 Hall of Fans inductee, Ray Prisby, the Browns made their presence felt in 2020.
Maybe the three can start pushing for Clay Matthews‘ election as the 18th Browns player in the Hall of Fame soon.
NEXT: Way-Too-Early Prediction Of 2021 AFC North Standings
