Head coach Kevin Stefanski is "privileged" to be the Cleveland Browns head coach, despite second straight losing season and questions about his future
As the 2025 season enters its final week, questions over the future of head coach Kevin Stefanski are more pronounced than ever, even after the Cleveland Browns pulled off a hard-fought win over the Pittsburgh Steelers 13-6 on Sunday.
One day later, Stefanski was asked about his desire to remain the coach of his 4-12 football team, after back-to-back losing seasons. His response was short and sweet.
"As you can imagine, my sole focus is on this game versus Cincinnati," Stefanski began. "But I'll also tell you, I'm privileged to have this job."
As a follow-up later on, Stefanski was also asked point-blank if there have been any discussion about his future beyond this weekend with the powers that be. In typical Kevin Stefanski fashion, he wasn't willing to broach the subject.
"I understand the question,” Stefanski said. “I never get into those type of discussions. All I care about is finding a way to go win this week versus the Bengals."
It's standard operating procedure from Cleveland's head man. Still, it won't do much to quell the rumors out there about Stefanski potentially being on his way out in a matter of days. Recent reports suggest that the decision could ultimately come down to a split between Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry, who have long been linked via their contracts and partnership inside the organization.
In recent days, several players have gone to bat for Stefanski as the right man to lead the franchise into the future. Most notably, veteran guard Joel Bitonio led that charge, doubling down on his comments following Sunday's win.
"He has the respect of the locker room,” the 12-year veteran said. "I think the guys will fight for him, and he’ll push us and we’ll push back. But I think it just shows the way the guys competed and fought, the respect is there for him."
The win over Pittsburgh certainly suggests that the team hasn't quit on their head coach, which could bode well when it comes time for owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam to make a final decision on his future. Another win over a division rival on Sunday, could also help his case, which is likely why it's the only thing Stefanski is worried about at the moment.
Either way, an answer is coming in about seven days.