For the Cleveland Browns, a year late and just a bit short seems to be the theme of the past few years. In 2025, they had the No. 2 pick in the NFL draft, which was a solid prize after a four-win season, but came a year after Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and Bo Nix were on the NFL draft board.
Now here in 2026, they have fired coach Kevin Stefanski, a year after new Bears coach Ben Johnson, Jaguars coach Liam Coen and former Titans coach Mike Vrabel–who had been a Browns consultant–were available. Those coaches all led their teams to massive turnarounds this season.
The browns have fired Stefanski a year too late–the pool of available coaches just isn’t as deep as it was last year. But who could they bring in?
Browns Next Coach: A Rising Assistant?
Given the success that the Browns have had defensively in their 4-3 scheme, it might be a longshot that they bring in a defensive coordinator to replace Stefanski. The offense needs to be rebuilt, and that is probably going to be the focus here.
There are at least six names to watch here:
- Brian Flores, Vikings defensive coordinator. If there is a DC who could be targeted by the Browns, Flores is likely the one. But it’s likely he will have better offers and is not a great fit.
- Jaff Halfley, Packers defensive coordinator. He runs a 4-3 defense and has done a great job transforming the Green Bay defense. But the Browns really need to think offense.
- Joe Brady, Bills offensive coordinator. Cap issues have forced Buffalo to repeatedly downgrade its talent levels, yet the team remained a Top 5 offense.
- Klint Kubiak, Seahawks offensive coordinator. He worked wonders with Sam Darnold this season.
- Mike LaFleur, Rams offensive coordinator. His connections to Rams coach Sean McVay and 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan–as well as potential MVP Matthew Stafford–could make him a hot candidate.
- Kliff Kingsbury, Commanders offensive coordinator. He comes with head-coaching experience (he once won 11 games … in Arizona!) and a reputation as an offensive free-thinker, despite Washington’s struggles this year.
Could the Browns Turn to a Veteran With a Track Record?
- Mike McDaniel, Dolphins coach. McDaniel (who has not yet been fired) forged his reputation as the OC with the 49ers, and though he lost his grip in Miami, his overall record with an injury-riddled team was 35-32.
- Mike McCarthy, former Cowboys coach. Maybe not the most inspired choice, but a guy capable of running a quality offense that can complement this Browns D. He is 174-112 in his career and has won a Super Bowl.
- Brian Daboll, former Giants coach. Daboll likely got a raw deal with the Giants, and remains a good offensive coach who was once the OC for the Browns. But he might benefit from a year off.
GettyMiami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel.
How About Keeping the Next Coach In-House?
There is really only one candidate from this standpoint, and that would be Jim Schwartz, the veteran defensive coordinator who has pushed the Browns to the No. 2 defense in the league since his arrival in 2023. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, just 33 years old, is far too green for the job. And if you think special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone makes sense, you did not watch much Browns football this year.
Unlikely Collegiate Longshots for the Browns
Don’t hold your breath here. College sports has become a much more lucrative field for coaches, and these guys have established themselves in their current settings. Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame would be on the list, but he has declared himself out of the running for NFL jobs.
- Ryan Day, Ohio State. The local guy and 2024 champ is worth a phone call.
- Steve Sarkisian, Texas. He might be the most likely top=-tier college coach willing to leave for teh NFL.
- Dan Lanning, Oregon. An offensive juggernaut of a coach. Hire Dan Lanning and draft Dante Moore?
Browns Coaching Candidates: Long List of Kevin Stefanski Replacements