Former Vikings Coach Faces Potential Trouble

Basio badr

ago 3 hours

The Cleveland Browns are facing a turbulent season, sitting at 2-6 following their bye week. The team’s head coach, Kevin Stefanski, who has completed five years with the franchise, may be on the verge of losing his job as pressures mount for change.

Former Vikings Coach Faces Potential Trouble

Stefanski, who previously served as a coach for the Minnesota Vikings for 15 seasons, has recently given up his playcalling responsibilities. This decision is often seen as a sign that a coach’s time may be running out. Cleveland’s offensive struggles have led to this significant change, further indicating that Stefanski could be on borrowed time.

Offensive Challenges

Cleveland’s offense has been underwhelming, ranking as the third-lowest in the NFL with an average of just 15.8 points per game. The Browns recently switched quarterbacks from experienced veteran Joe Flacco to rookie Dillon Gabriel, who was selected 94th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Gabriel has completed 59.9% of his passes this season, throwing for 702 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions. However, his Total QBR stands at only 26.8, which is among the worst in the league.

Recent Performance

Cleveland’s offense ranks 32nd in the NFL according to DVOA.
The team has struggled with consistency, not scoring more than 17 points in 11 straight games until a recent win over the Miami Dolphins.
In their last outing, the Browns lost 32-13 to the New England Patriots.

Pivotal Coaching Decisions

Stefanski has appointed offensive coordinator Tommy Rees to take over the playcalling duties against the New York Jets this weekend. This evolving strategy highlights the urgency to revitalize the struggling offense. Rees, who previously held coaching positions at Notre Dame and Alabama, could bring a fresh perspective to Cleveland’s offensive approach.

Background and Future Prospects

The situation became dire following the Browns’ decision to trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson, which some believe initiated the decline for the franchise. Watson’s controversial signing and the subsequent trade of Baker Mayfield have left Cleveland grappling with poor performances on the field.

As speculation regarding Stefanski’s future intensifies, questions remain about his ability to turn the season around. With fans beginning to focus on the upcoming draft, his tenure may hinge on the performance against the Jets this Sunday. A significant loss could propel the Browns’ leadership to reconsider his position at the helm.