Shedeur Sanders, other Browns players open up about Kevin Stefanski amid rumors

Recent reports have indicated that Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam will retain general manager Andrew Berry through at least the start of the offseason. 

The future of Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is much more uncertain, as rumors continue to suggest that Haslam and Stefanski could agree to a mutual parting of ways next week. On Wednesday, Cleveland rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders and some of his teammates offered their support for Stefanski.

Shedeur Sanders has "utmost respect" for Kevin Stefanski

"We got the utmost respect for him," Sanders responded when asked about speculation related to Stefanski's status, per the Browns' website. "I think that’s more media stuff, that’s more outside noise noise than, I mean, half of us don’t know if we're gonna be here next year, you know what I’m saying? So, we don’t really look at that. We play for the franchise, we play for our coaches, we play for the names on the front and back of our jersey."

While Stefanski is a two-time Coach of the Year Award winner, the Browns are about to complete a fourth losing season in five years under their current leadership. Stories throughout December teased that Stefanski may want to start fresh with a new team in 2026. Meanwhile, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and Cleveland offensive coordinator Tommy Rees have been mentioned as possible replacements for Stefanski.

Browns players "own" team's poor record

"He’s a great coach," Browns cornerback Denzel Ward said about Stefanski, according to Scott Petrak of BrownsZone. "We’re all in this together. I know our record (4-12) isn’t the best record, but it’s not just one person or one coach. ...It falls on all of us, falls on myself. Every single player that’s going out there and playing, and every single coach, we take this record upon all of us. We’ve got to all own it." 

Cleveland will finish the franchise's latest lost season with a road game at the eliminated Cincinnati Bengals (6-10) this coming Sunday. How Stefanski's players perform at Paycor Stadium could give some hint as to whether or not they feel he'll be back for another campaign.

"He's been the same coach since I’ve been here," Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy added about Stefanski. "Through the ups and downs, he never changed. That’s all you can ask for from a coach, just never change. When things are going good, stay the same. When things are going bad, you stay the same. That’s very good."