Kevin Stefanski: Contract| Who is| Fired| Shedeur Sanders| Record

Kevin Stefanski: Who Is He?

Kevin Stefanski is the head coach of the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He became the 18th full-time head coach of the Browns on January 13, 2020, after a stint as an offensive coordinator.

As offensive coordinator previously for the Minnesota Vikings and then with the Browns, Stefanski has long been regarded as one of the NFL’s top offensive minds before becoming a head coach.

Contract & Tenure: What’s the Deal?

When Stefanski was promoted to full-time head coach in 2020, he signed a five-year contract. That contract kicked off after the 2019 season, meaning under the original agreement, his term would presumably run through 2024 (or through 2025 depending on clause extensions/options).

His early years as head coach were arguably successful: under Stefanski, the Browns posted two 11-win seasons and made two postseason appearances — a level of regular-season success the franchise had not consistently seen in decades. In fact, across his first four seasons, the Browns recorded a 37-30 regular season record, making that the best four-year stretch in regular-season winning percentage since the late 1980s.

However, the landscape has shifted recently (see below).

Fired — Or Under Fire? The Current Climate

Lately, Stefanski finds himself under mounting pressure and scrutiny. Several media outlets and commentators now rank him among the coaches most likely to be fired. 

Possible reasons include:

• The team’s poor performance this season — losses stacking up, offensive struggles, and unmet expectations.

• Controversial decisions in critical moments, especially relating to quarterback play. Most notably: in their latest game, a decision by Stefanski to bench Sanders for a two-point conversion attempt drew widespread criticism. That game-deciding call has prompted some analysts and fans to openly call for his dismissal.

• A shift in offensive responsibilities: Stefanski recently relinquished offensive play-calling duties, handing them to his coordinator. Many interpret this as a signal of declining confidence in his leadership on offense.

Still, some insiders suggest that if the Browns do move on from him, he may find another head-coach opportunity elsewhere — making him a candidate for other 2026 coaching vacancies.

So while he hasn’t been formally fired (as of the latest reporting), Stefanski is very much “on the hot seat” — and many expect a change soon.

Shedeur Sanders: Rising Star — And Source of Controversy

Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, a former college standout, was selected by the Browns in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Sanders has emerged as a point of fascination for fans and media alike: in his first few starts, he has posted better-than-average numbers compared to historical rookie Browns quarterbacks.

Yet — despite flashes of promise — his ascension to “franchise quarterback” has not been smooth. Stefanski has repeatedly been reluctant to commit to naming Sanders as the full-time starter, opting instead for a week-by-week evaluation.

This hesitation, especially after strong performances from Sanders and increasing fan pressure, has caused friction. Many question whether the coaching staff — especially Stefanski — is truly committed to giving Sanders the reins. Critics argue the cautious approach may be wasting a valuable opportunity to rebuild the franchise around a young, talented QB. 

Record & Recent Performance: Where Things Stand

• As mentioned, during his first four seasons (2020–2023), Stefanski posted a 37–30 regular-season record — among the best four-year stretches in Browns history.

• The Browns reached the postseason twice and produced two 11-win seasons under him.

• However, the 2025 season has been marred by losses, questionable game decisions, and mounting fan frustration. 

• In the latest game, despite a standout performance from Sanders (364 passing yards, three touchdowns), the Browns lost — amplified by a controversial two-point conversion decision that some blame on Stefanski. 

Taken together, the trend suggests that the early success under Stefanski may be eroding, and the organization — along with fans — may be ready for a new direction.

What’s Next? The Fork in the Road for Cleveland

At this point, the path forward appears uncertain for both Stefanski and the Browns. Potential scenarios:

• The Browns could part ways with Stefanski after the season, especially if performance and decision-making don’t improve. Rumours already tie him to other teams as a candidate for 2026 head-coach vacancies.

• But there’s also a chance he remains — perhaps with a revamped coaching staff and renewed focus on building around Sanders or another quarterback. Some in the organization may view the current struggles as part of a rebuild post-big trade failures (e.g. the much-criticized acquisition of Deshaun Watson). 

• For Sanders, continued patience or a sudden elevation to full-time starter could determine whether he becomes the Browns’ long-term signal-caller — but only if the coaching staff commits to him and reshapes the offense to suit his skills.

Ultimately, the coming weeks and games will likely shape both Stefanski’s fate and the Browns’ trajectory for years to come.