As most Cleveland Browns fans hope and expect HC Kevin Stefanski to be fired no later than the end of the 2025 NFL season, we have started to see rumors popping up around what might happen this offseason
around the league. Beyond whether to fire Stefanski and/or GM Andrew Berry, the quarterback conversation will lead most discussions around the Browns this offseason.
First, it matters who is coaching the quarterback. Then everyone will be able to focus on whether or not Shedeur Sanders will get a real shot at the starting job next season (with most having written off Dillon Gabriel) or will Cleveland invest in a quarterback at the top of the 2026 NFL draft and move on from there?
In noting some of the things they are starting to hear about the upcoming NFL offseason, ESPN Insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano listed nine head coaching candidates that Browns fans, and those of other teams, should start to think about:
- Broncos DC Vance Joseph (former Broncos HC)
- Packers DC Jeff Hafley (former Boston College HC)
- Chargers DC Jesse Minter
- Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo (former Rams HC)
- Bills OC Joe Brady
- Chiefs OC Matt Nagy (former Bears HC)
- Steelers OC Arthur Smith (former Falcons HC)
- Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman
The final name on the list would draw the most intrigue for fans. Freeman is one of many college head coaches who could move on to the pros as NIL changes the landscape of what a head coach in college has to do. There have been murmurs of Ryan Day, Steve Sarkisian, Lincoln Riley, and others being intrigued by the idea of heading to the NFL despite college success.
There is no certainty that Cleveland will move on from Stefanski this offseason, but it is interesting to note the names that are currently expected to be on the coaching carousel this offseason. The reality is that no one really knows who will be a good head coach. The variables, especially the quarterback and roster, play too big a role in wins and losses to assume a failed head coach can’t be successful the second time around, or that a first-time, very successful coordinator will do great moving one spot up.
For now, just a lot of speculation.
Do any of the names noted above intrigue you for the Browns if they move on from Stefanski? Any other realistic options out there you’d hope Cleveland would hire?
Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below
