Kevin Stefanski's Admission on Shedeur Sanders After Browns Decision

The Cleveland Browns' 2025-26 campaign was a disappointing 5–12 "down year" that ultimately cost former head coach Kevin Stefanski his job on Jan. 5. However, the season provided a glimpse into the potential of rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders.

Stepping into a chaotic quarterback room that featured veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, Sanders arrived as a fifth-round pick (144th overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft. He was actually the sixth quarterback taken in his class, trailing names like Cam Ward and his own teammate, Dillon Gabriel, who was picked in the third round. 

Sanders' trajectory, however, shifted in Week 11 when Gabriel was sidelined with a concussion. Coach Prime’s son subsequently started the final seven games of the season, posting a 3–4 record as a starter. That stretch included two straight divisional wins to close the year. 

He finished the season with 1,400 passing yards, 7 passing touchdowns, and 10 interceptions over eight total games played. Despite those modest numbers, he showed significant improvement in the last season. The surprise? He even earned a place in Pro Bowl roster as an injury replacement for Drake Maye.

Stefanski, who has since transitioned to the Atlanta Falcons head coaching role, praised the young signal-caller on the “Pardon My Take” podcast following his dismissal. 

"I love Shedeur. I loved coaching him, seriously," Stefanski said. "He’s got the right makeup for this game, he was wired the right way. I wish that we won more obviously, but if you saw how he played down the stretch, I mean he’s a young player that’s getting better.”