The Cleveland Browns have spent most of the season trying to quiet the outside noise. Wins were supposed to do that. But as the season winds down, the conversation around Kevin Stefanski’s job security is only getting louder, not quieter.
And now, the noise is becoming harder to ignore.
When recently asked whether he wanted to remain the Browns’ head coach beyond this season, Stefanski did not offer a firm commitment and instead said ‘I’m privileged to have this job.’
At the same time, a separate report has added fuel to the discussion.
According to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the Browns have already done what was described as ‘preliminary research’ on a potential coaching change.
“Cleveland, Las Vegas, those are two places that have done preliminary research for a potential move,” Fowler said.
The Browns have done “preliminary research” on a potential coaching change, per @JFowlerESPN. pic.twitter.com/qMWYQgzlID
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) December 30, 2025
As I’ve mentioned plenty of times, the Browns have struggled with discipline, consistency, and execution far too often over the past two seasons. Penalties. Mental mistakes. Special teams issues. Offensive struggles. Those problems have persisted regardless of quarterback or opponent.
Stefanski is not a bad coach. He is respected around the league. He would likely be hired quickly if available.
Sometimes teams simply reach a point of mutual fatigue.
The Browns have invested heavily in this roster. Expectations were high.
Nothing has been decided publicly. That is important to state. But the breadcrumbs are there. Non-committal answers. Quiet research. Growing outside reporting. Those are not random.
If the Browns do move on, it will not be a surprise. It will be the result of weeks or months of internal evaluation that has already been happening behind closed doors.
For now, the team will finish the season. After that, the focus will shift quickly.
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