Browns Urged to Make Kevin Stefanski Decision on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Dec 29, 2025 9:37 AM ET

The Cleveland Browns snapped a four‑game losing streak with a 13-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17, spoiling Pittsburgh’s bid to clinch the AFC North. In a rainy, defensive‑minded contest, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders led the Browns’ offense, completing 17 of 23 passes for 186 yards and a touchdown.

Sanders’ lone score came early when he connected with Harold Fannin Jr. for a first‑quarter touchdown. Despite throwing two interceptions, Sanders helped guide Cleveland into field‑goal range on multiple drives.

Meanwhile, Cleveland’s defense stood firm, limiting the Steelers to just 168 passing yards from Aaron Rodgers and holding Pittsburgh without a touchdown. The win improved the Browns to 4-12 and prevented the Steelers from clinching the division with a road victory.

While the victory gave Cleveland a rare divisional win and broke a skid, it has done little to quiet the controversy surrounding head coach Kevin Stefanski’s future in Cleveland. Despite Sunday’s result, Stefanski remains under intense scrutiny after back‑to‑back disappointing campaigns.

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Following the win, ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Rizzo doubled down on his stance that Stefanski should be fired after the season.

“Kevin Stefanski’s got to go. … I appreciate the fight in the team, and I appreciate what he has done here. … But I still think he’s got to go,” Rizzo said on Monday. “I only have to look around the league at the Patriots, at the Seahawks, at the Saints, at the Jaguars. You make the right coaching change and you can find gold in this league.”

RIZZ SAYS KEVIN STEFANSKI STILL HAS TO GO...

Do you agree? https://t.co/kb2oOewi16 pic.twitter.com/VYy2WyVviU
— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) December 29, 2025

Sunday’s win marked just Stefanski’s seventh victory in two seasons, a record (7-26) that has frustrated many fans. Overall, Stefanski is 44-56 over six seasons in Cleveland, leading the Browns to two playoff appearances and one playoff win. Much of the criticism this season has centered on his handling of the quarterback room, including decisions around Sanders’ playing time and reps.

The Browns now turn their attention to their final game of the season, a road matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on CBS. Cleveland will look to build on its divisional win and end the season on a positive note, even as questions about the coaching staff’s future linger.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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