Insider explains why Watson could save Stefanski's job

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson with head coach Kevin Stefanski. Phil Masturzo / USA TODAY NETWORK

Insider explains why Deshaun Watson could save Browns HC Kevin Stefanski's job

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated Dec 29, 2022 11:42 PM ET

While Kevin Stefanski’s tenure as Cleveland Browns head coach started with 11 wins and a playoff appearance, things have gone downhill in the two years since.

Many believe Stefanski could be unemployed when the 2022 season ends, but Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot isn’t one of them. Cabot, instead, made the case that Browns ownership may want to see what Stefanski can do over 17 games with quarterback Deshaun Watson.

“I think Kevin’s job is safe, I do not think that they would pull the plug on him when he’s only had like I said four really good, solid, reasonable games with Deshaun Watson,” Cabot recently said in a Q&A for Cleveland.com. “When you hear Deshaun Watson say that Kevin Stefanski was a reason that he came here, that’s important. I’m telling you they listen to what their star quarterback wants.”

In his two seasons prior to 2022, Stefanski compiled a 19-14 regular-season record and a 1-1 playoff record. He was named Coach of the Year in 2020 by the Associated Press, Professional Football Writers Association and Sporting News.

Deshaun Watson said he chose the Browns in large part because of the way that he and Kevin Stefanski were able to talk about football.

Said he has a story to share later, when the time is right. #Browns pic.twitter.com/5x1sB6M3qu
— Hayden Grove (@H_Grove) December 21, 2022

Watson, who’s on record stating he and the rest of the Browns roster trust and support Stefanski, has struggled to find his footing in Cleveland’s offense after serving an 11-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.

The 27-year-old QB has completed 57.7 percent of his passes for 703 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions with the Browns. He has a 2-2 record.

Michael Gallagher

Michael Gallagher is a longtime sports journalist based out of Nashville with a decade of experience covering college football, mixed martial arts and prep sports plus the NFL and NHL — specifically the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators. He’s covered several notable sporting events including an AFC Championship game, a Stanley Cup Final, an NHL All-Star Game and an NHL Stadium Series. Some of his past bylines can be found at the Nashville Scene, SB Nation, The Hockey News and Fox Sports Knoxville

More must-reads: