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Cleveland Browns Make Executive and Coaching Changes Following Period of Team Restructuring

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Cleveland Browns Undergo Major Overhaul: Stefanski Out, Garrett Traded

The Cleveland Browns have made significant organizational changes, including the dismissal of head coach Kevin Stefanski and a trade of defensive end Myles Garrett, as the team navigates a period of substantial roster turnover and financial restructuring.

Coaching Change

Kevin Stefanski has been dismissed from his position as head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Stefanski, a two-time Coach of the Year award recipient, ends his tenure with the team.

Team Performance Under Stefanski

  • The Browns posted an 8-26 win-loss record over the 2024 and 2025 NFL seasons.
  • In 2020, Stefanski led the team to the playoffs, ending an 18-year playoff drought and securing the franchise's first postseason victory since its re-establishment.
  • In 2023, the team returned to the playoffs with quarterback Joe Flacco, who joined the roster in November.

Factors Cited for the Decision

According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, multiple factors influenced the leadership change, including the team's overall record, Stefanski's instances of removing himself as offensive play-caller, and the performance of quarterback Joe Flacco.

After four starts with the Browns, Flacco was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals, where his subsequent performance reportedly improved. This development was noted by Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and team leadership.

"When you trade for a player and you give up three number ones and two number threes, that really depletes your ability to raise the roster. So, did it have impact? Yes." — Owner Jimmy Haslam

Prior reports from Pete Prisco of CBS Sports indicated that Stefanski had not supported the acquisition of quarterback Deshaun Watson, a player for whom the team invested significant draft capital and salary.

The Browns' quarterback rotation during Stefanski's recent seasons included Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Bailey Zappe, Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders.

Myles Garrett Trade

The Cleveland Browns have traded defensive end Myles Garrett to the Los Angeles Rams. In exchange, the Browns received defensive end Jared Verse and a 2027 first-round draft pick, along with other draft compensation.

Garrett had publicly requested a trade during the 2025 Super Bowl week, stating his desire to play for a winning organization. The Browns signed Garrett to a contract extension in 2024. The team has posted an 8-24 record over the past two seasons.

Deshaun Watson Trade and Financial Impact

Four years prior to these changes, the Browns acquired quarterback Deshaun Watson. At the time of acquisition, Watson had missed an entire year of football and was facing over 20 civil lawsuits alleging sexual misconduct during massage-therapy sessions.

The Browns were one of four finalists for Watson, alongside the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and Atlanta Falcons. After Watson initially excluded the Browns, the team reportedly offered a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract. The trade involved shipping multiple draft picks to the Houston Texans.

Financial Initiatives

The Browns organization is reportedly planning to introduce Personal Seat Licenses (PSLs), with prices anticipated to range from $550 to $193,650 per seat.

Baker Mayfield Response

An exchange occurred between D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and NFL quarterback Baker Mayfield. Ledbetter's tweet referred to Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski's previous quarterbacks in Cleveland, Baker Mayfield and Deshaun Watson, stating they "failed."

Mayfield replied, calling the term "failed" a "reach." He also referenced not receiving communication from Stefanski after his trade from the Browns.

Mayfield led the Browns to the postseason in 2020, where they reached the divisional round. In 2021, Mayfield played with injuries, and the team did not make the playoffs. The Browns traded Mayfield to the Carolina Panthers in early 2022 after acquiring Watson.

Stefanski's Future Prospects

Kevin Stefanski is currently considered a betting favorite for head coach vacancies, including positions with the New York Giants and the Atlanta Falcons. He is also expected to be a candidate for offensive coordinator roles.