The Cleveland Browns will look to replace Kevin Stefanski this offseason, as a head coaching search has begun.
Cleveland fired Stefanski after six years with the team, as with the Browns, he went 45-56. Stefanski did win Coach of the Year twice as he led Cleveland to the playoffs twice, but his struggles the past two years led to his firing.
Now, according to Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns are linked to hiring Cleveland native Jonathan Gannon. Gannon was recently fired as the Arizona Cardinals‘ head coach.
“Gannon was fired on Monday, same day as his good friend Stefanski,” Cabot wrote. “A Cleveland native, Gannon was a multi-sport star at Saint Ignatius High School. Before being hired by the Cardinals, he helped lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl LVII appearance as defensive coordinator. Gannon’s coaching career includes stops as an assistant with the Falcons, Titans, Vikings, and Colts. He went 15-36 as Cardinals coach.”
Gannon served as the Cardinals’ head coach for three years, as he went 15-36, including a terrible 3-14 season this year. Although Gannon struggled in his first tenure as an NFL head coach, the Browns apparently see enough in him to give him a second chance.
Gannon is from Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended Saint Ignatius High School. He helped the school win a State Championship in basketball as a point guard, as well as a state championship in football as a standout wide receiver and defensive back.
Stefanski Thankful for Browns Opportunity
Cleveland decided to part ways with Stefanski after the team missed the playoffs again.
Following the Browns’ firing of Stefanski, the coach issued a statement and said he was thankful for the opportunity.
“After six seasons as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, I leave with an immense sense of gratitude,” Stefanski said in a statement. “When I arrived in January of 2020, this organization, this community and Browns fans embraced me and my family with open arms. I cannot express properly in words how good we have been treated.
“A sincere ‘Thank You’ to everyone who I have been so blessed to work for and with over these six seasons. I’d like to especially thank my coaching staff and the players who did everything that was ever asked of them. They fought through injury and adversity, while always putting the TEAM FIRST. I wish all of you nothing but success.”
Despite being fired by the Browns, Stefanski is arguably the top coach available in this search.
Cardinals Fire Gannon After 3 Seasons
Arizona hired Gannon in 2023 after he served as the Philadelphia Eagles‘ defensive coordinator for two seasons.
Gannon was supposed to help Arizona get over the hump, but he struggled in his three seasons. After the firing, Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill said the decision came down to wins and losses.
“He made us better, but I think as you all know, this is a league about wins and losses,” Bidwill said. “The wins and losses speak for themselves, especially this year. We just felt like we were going in the wrong direction and we needed to change course.”
Despite being fired, Gannon will be sought after as a head coach this cycle.
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