The Browns’ record has gotten worse in each of Kevin Stefanski‘s three seasons at the helm. However, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com doesn’t believe the head coach is on the hot seat heading into the 2023 campaign.
Stefanski’s apparent job security is partly due to the Browns not “thinking negatively,” as Cabot notes. The organization has high hopes for the 2023 campaign, and they believe their head coach can get the most out of a roster that should feature a full season from QB Deshaun Watson. With other stars like Myles Garrett, Nick Chubb, and Amari Cooper, Cabot opines that this is the most talented roster the coach has had during his Cleveland tenure.
It sounds like the front office is willing to write off the head coach’s 2022 campaign thanks to an uncertain QB depth chart, and Stefanski was always going to be afforded a longer leash thanks to a 2020 campaign where Cleveland won 11 regular season games and another playoff contest. As a result, there isn’t any clear ultimatum heading into next year.
Of course, if the Browns fall short of expectations, then “all things will be taken into account.” So, while Stefanski isn’t on the hot seat entering the season, he’ll surely be facing some calls for his job if the Browns don’t take a step forward in 2023.
More notes out of Cleveland…
- Speaking of Watson, the player has been a “low-maintenance QB,” according to Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com. Watson has reportedly been building a strong relationship with Stefanski and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, with the trio exchanging ideas on how the offense will operate. Pluto believes the grouping wasn’t able to establish the same rapport last year with Watson’s impending suspension and the coaching staff’s need to temporarily cater the offense to the pocket-passing Jacoby Brissett.
- Defensive end Za’Darius Smith was acquired from the Vikings last month, and he may see a different role in Cleveland. Cabot writes that the veteran defensive lineman could play some defensive tackle opposite Dalvin Tomlinson. This formation would allow the Browns to play their best four defensive linemen in Smith, Tomlinson, Garrett, and Ogbo Okoronkwo. Of course, Smith will also be used on the edge, in which case 2020 third-round pick Jordan Elliott could step up as the third DT on the depth chart.
- Perrion Winfrey’s case for misdemeanor assault was dismissed earlier this month following completion of a pretrial conversion program, per Cabot. The 2022 fourth-round pick will be competing for one of those aforementioned interior DL roles. Winfrey got into 13 games as a rookie, compiling 22 tackles and 0.5 sacks.
- We heard earlier today that the Browns are happy with their current grouping of wide receivers, including newcomer Elijah Moore. As a result, the organization isn’t expected to pursue DeAndre Hopkins and reunite the receiver with his former quarterback.
Circus of tears. For the land? More like for the predator.
I’d say good luck, but I don’t mean it.
Browns will be 6-11
Haha. You should put money on that record
Be more than happy to. Colts, Cards, Texans, Bears the only for sure wins. They’ll take 1 each from Pit & Bal. Wiped the rest of the way
Go ahead and put money on it. Don’t just be more than happy to. Do it. Show proof. They are a better team than last year. Watson stunk last year and he still won half of his games. No way he goes backwards. They’ll sweep the Steelers. Pickett is horrible.
Pickett is horrible, but the Browns are hysterically worse forever.
That’s what people said about the Bengals, Jaguars, Jets and Lions. All perennial losers that are expected to make the playoffs…..or at the least be better. You can hate the Browns and I assume, Watson, but you can’t just be stupid about it
The Jets haven’t done anything, the Lions have potential but didn’t make the playoffs, the Jags have a real QB who doesn’t assault women.
So I was right? You are just a hater? That’s fine. I’ll expect to see your receipt that you placed on the Browns winning only 6 games. Haha. I’m guessing that’s not gonna happen. You should change your username. Your comments aren’t better
I should change it to ‘My Comments Are The Best’ actually. Because 99.999999% of the time they are, including this one. I just think it’s laughable that spending 250M on a woman beating QB who hasn’t played good in 4 years is somehow magically a savior…. I’m 100% a realist, and to think the Browns finish anywhere but last place in the division (like they have for idk 30 years now nearly) is truly funny. Off-season champs 35 years and running man…
I envy you for having hope after losing year after year after year. It really is noble. Most would’ve ran by now…
4 years? I thought you knew football? Exactly 2 years ago today, he was coming off a 4863 yards, 33 TD’S and 7 interception season. He’s played 6 games since. So basically, what you’re saying is that he’s only thrown 5 interceptions in the last 2 years. Like I said, you have a right to dislike the guy, but you can’t be stupid about your predictions. Put your money on it
And he went 4-12…. Congrats yards! That really wins you Super Bowls right? Just ask Drew Brees, all those years of 5K passing yards an 1 title to ever show for it and it wasn’t even in one of those 4 years… Participation trophy’s, all the Browns will ever receive.