UPDATE: Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders expressed gratitude for head coach Kevin Stefanski after leading the team to a 20-18 victory over the Bengals in the season finale. However, reports indicate that Stefanski could be fired as early as Monday morning.
The fifth-round pick out of Colorado praised Stefanski for his coaching, saying, “Coach Kev, he’s been real tough… I feel like we grew to understand each other.” Sanders completed 11 of 22 passes for 111 yards during the game, despite challenging conditions including a rookie-heavy roster and a struggling offensive line.
Following the victory, the Browns celebrated in the locker room, but Stefanski faced questions about his job security. The coach, drenched from post-game celebrations, declined to comment on his future, stating, “Respectfully, this game is not about me. I’m proud of that group for fighting.”
In a season marred by inconsistency, the Browns finished with a disappointing 5-12 record, raising doubts about Stefanski’s continuation in his role after six seasons with the team. He holds a 45-56 mark in regular season games and 1-2 in playoffs.
“I know he wanted this win, and I know he wants every win, but I know this one means a lot,” Sanders reflected on his coach’s dedication.
The Browns’ defense shined in the finale, aiding Sanders to secure back-to-back victories over division rivals, including the Bengals and Steelers. This late-season surge has left team owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam with tough decisions ahead of their scheduled meeting with Stefanski.
While the celebrations continued, star defensive end Myles Garrett achieved a historic feat by setting the NFL single-season sack record at 23.0 sacks, surpassing the previous record held by Michael Strahan since 2001.
Stefanski awarded Garrett a game ball in a spirited locker room atmosphere, but the joy may be short-lived depending on the owners’ decision. Defensive tackle Shelby Harris voiced strong support for Stefanski, emphasizing, “I love Kevin. I’ll fight for that man any day of the week.”
As speculation about potential replacements swirls, including defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, the team will need to reflect on their trajectory. “There comes a time where you reflect,” Stefanski said, hinting at the challenges faced this season.
With critical discussions looming, fans and players alike are left wondering about the future of the coaching staff and the direction of the Browns as they prepare for the offseason. The next few days will be crucial in determining if Stefanski can remain at the helm or if a new era is set to begin in Cleveland.
