Kevin Stefanski is Gone, Who is Next Up for the Browns?

Kevin has been fired today (Monday, January 5th), and that means the Browns head coach job is open after multiple years. However, the team has suffered from turmoil and problems in the QB spot, making the job much less appealing to anyone who is free. So, who is next for the Browns, or will we be sitting in limbo until we can get something going to attract someone better?

Jim Schwartz Next?

Jim Schwartz is the most realistic answer; however, he isn’t exactly a head coach type of man. He’s much better sitting in the DC spot, and I think we would be better off leaving it open for someone new. However, if no one outside the organization wants to come, which is a real risk due to our problems, he might be the only worthwhile choice we have. He’s been here long enough to understand the logistics and everything inside the team, but it might be a better option for the team to keep him where he is and find someone new. But if the problem of the job having no appeal occurs, then he may be the only option we have to keep the team in a good spot. That creates the problem of an open DC spot, but that is much easier to hire into than HC is.

An Outside Candidate?

Head coach firings often come with a new face coming into the team, and that may be the case here. There will be a decent number of coaches open after the next few weeks, and while the options will exist, it will matter if any of them want to take such a hard job here in Cleveland. The more choices, the more chances we have to get someone who actually wants to come here, and who knows, maybe someone will see some potential in the team and its building. We have pieces, and there is a frame for the right people, but the problem will be getting the right people to expand upon our frame. With more and more teams firing their coaches, there will more than likely be a better choice for whoever the Browns decide to pursue. We are much lower on the appeal list, which will create problems and make finding someone new (and more importantly, good) for our team much harder. If only two coaches fit the team’s style, it will be an uphill battle the whole way.

What Is the Next Step for the Browns?

The Browns won’t hire someone today, or tomorrow, or likely within the next few weeks. The Browns likely have already been head-hunting during the final few weeks of the season, so they already have people they want. But hiring someone for such a position takes time, and they will be fighting other teams for the head coach’s grace. Deals like this take time, and so it will be a decent amount of time before we hear or see anything about the job. Until then, it’ll all be speculation.