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- Cleveland Browns. Shedeur Sanders stuns Browns coaches as QB battle heats up
Kevin Stefanski's tenure in Cleveland may be nearing its end-and it all hinges on Shedeur Sanders. The former Colorado star's arrival has been one of the offseason's most talked-about developments, and some analysts believe it could mark the final chapter of Stefanski's reign.
Stefanski ed the Browns in 2020, replacing Freddie Kitchens, and signed a five-year contract aimed at bringing stability to the head coaching position-a role that had seen seven different hires between 2009 and 2019.
But success has eluded him. Last season, Cleveland finished with a 3-14 record, and analysts such as ESPN's Ben Solak argue that another disappointing year could push Stefanski out, especially if he fails to put an end to the Browns' never-ending quarterback carousel.
Stefanski is on the hot seat
In an ESPN analysis, Solak claimed that when owner Jimmy Haslam decides to clean house, Stefanski will be the first to go.
"I have no idea what the goalposts are for Stefanski this season, but the team was 3-14 last year, and another three-win season wouldn't surprise me in the slightest," Solak stated.
He added: "I'll say this with complete conviction: Stefanski seems like an excellent veteran OC retread option if and when the Browns clean house. He has made the best out of the Browns' QB carousel and navigated major offensive injuries over the past two seasons."
Some analysts, including Jon Conahan of Sporting News, argue that Stefanski isn't entirely to blame for Cleveland's struggles.
"Frankly, Stefanski doesn't have much to work with on the offensive side of the football, and the fact that he's managed to make it work multiple times over the past few years shows that he's a decent coach," Conahan acknowledged.
Stefanski's Quarterback Options in 2025
This season, however, the Browns have a crowded quarterback room. Veteran Joe Flacco, third-year QB Kenny Pickett, and rookies Quinn Ewers andShedeur Sanders all present possible options while starter Deshaun Watson recovers from an Achilles tendon injury.
Sanders is easily the most recognizable name on the list-controversy seems to follow him wherever he goes. Fans and media alike have scrutinized every step of his transition to Cleveland, making his impact impossible to ignore.
If Stefanski places his trust in Sanders over the other candidates, success will be credited to the player. But if Sanders fails, it's the coach's job that will be on the line.