The Cleveland Browns fired Kevin Stefanski from his coaching position on Monday after a 5-12 finish in the 2025 season. The Browns are now searching for a new coach to lead the team in the 2026 season and have already narrowed down a few candidates.
On Monday, Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot reported that Cleveland is considering promoting defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz to succeed Stefanski.
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The Browns hired Schwartz in January 2023. He worked closely with Stefanski for three years.
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Despite Cleveland’s overall struggles in the 2025 season, it had the fourth-best defensive record, allowing 283.6 yards (pass and rush) per game. Superstar defensive end Myles Garrett also racked up 23 sacks, setting the league’s best for a single-season.
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On Monday, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam was asked if he was to consider Schwartz for the coaching job.
“We haven’t looked at that yet. I would say this, we think a lot of Jim Schwartz.” Haslam said.
The Browns are reportedly also set to hold interviews with San Francisco defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores as potential candidates for the head coaching job.
Browns GM Andrew Berry says Jim Schwartz has “earned the right” to be considered as Kevin Stefanski’s successor
On Monday, Browns general manager Andrew Berry said that Jim Schwartz done a fine job with the team so far, earning the right to be in conversation to be promoted as the team’s head coach.
“So first with Jim, Jim’s an outstanding football coach,” Berry said. “We have a lot of respect for him, a lot of appreciation for him, and he has certainly earned the right for consideration, but that’s something that we still have to discuss and obviously discuss with him.”
Berry also discussed the possibility of considering Tommy Rees, who finished his first year as the Browns’ offensive coordinator, for the head coaching job.
Kevin Stefanski compiled a 45-56 regular-season record in six years with the Browns. He led Cleveland to the playoffs twice, posting a 1-2 postseason record.
Edited by Arnold
