Browns' Tommy Rees, Jim Schwartz respond to Kevin Stefanski rumors

Recent stories have suggested that Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam is prepared to part ways with head coach Kevin Stefanski once the club's season comes to an end with a road game at the 6-10 Cincinnati Bengals this coming Sunday. 

Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz have been named as possible replacements for Stefanski. Both Rees and Schwartz were asked about their futures while speaking with reporters on Thursday.

Browns coaches lean on Kevin Stefanski's leadership

"I think the outside enjoys or pays a lot more attention to it than we do in the building," Rees said about the rumors hovering over the organization, per the Browns' website. "We take off of Kevin’s leadership, which is excellent. We work long hours. We don’t have a whole lot of time to do a lot else except try to get our guys ready to play and get our guys ready to face the opponent of the week. ...We have a great group here, great staff, guys that enjoy being around each other, so kind of just lean into each other, and take after Kevin’s leadership and put one foot in front of the other."

The Browns reportedly will retain general manager Andrew Berry, who drafted quarterback Shedeur Sanders earlier this year. Some have said that Berry may want to keep Sanders linked with Rees to give the 23-year-old a real opportunity to show whether or not he can be the club's long-term answer at the position. 

Meanwhile, Rees interviewed for the Penn State Nittany Lions' vacant head coach opening and was later mentioned as a candidate for the University of Michigan job. Thus, some think clubs in need of a head coach could reach out to Rees as soon as next week. 

Jim Schwartz not focused on long-term future

As for Schwartz, he has experience serving as an NFL head coach and has impressed individuals throughout the league during his stint as Cleveland's DC. He recently told Ashley Bastock of the Cleveland Plain Dealer that he would "certainly consider" accepting a head-coaching job this winter, but he danced around the topic on Thursday. 

"I’ve answered that," Schwartz responded when asked about "the itch" to be a head coach again. "I’ve answered that enough times, and I think I’m gonna respect [the Bengals] game and keep the focus on this game, because anything else is not what we’re focused on this week."

Additionally, the Browns reportedly are "very intrigued by" the idea of speaking with Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel if he becomes available. As of Friday morning, it was unknown if the Dolphins would part ways with McDaniel next week.