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Browns Coach Stefanski's Job in Jeopardy After Loss

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, February 15th 2026 at 22:17 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Ohio, UNITED STATES

Cleveland, OH - February 16th, 2026 - The Cleveland Browns find themselves at a pivotal juncture, with head coach Kevin Stefanski's future hanging in the balance. Following a disappointing 36-22 loss to the Houston Texans, rumors of a potential firing have escalated dramatically, prompting intense speculation about the direction of the franchise.

Reports began surfacing immediately after Sunday's defeat, indicating the Browns organization is actively evaluating coaching alternatives. ESPN's Adam Schefter initially reported the team was "doing their due diligence," a phrase often signaling serious internal discussions regarding a leadership change. This 'due diligence' has now reportedly expanded to include informal contact with several prominent offensive coordinators currently available, and a deeper dive into coaching candidates expected to be available at the end of the season.

Myles Garrett, the Browns' star defensive end, inadvertently added significant weight to the mounting pressure with his post-game comments. Garrett's call for "more leadership and accountability across the board" was widely interpreted as a veiled critique of the current coaching staff, despite him not directly naming Stefanski. Such public displays of discontent from a key player rarely go unnoticed, particularly when a coach's position is already precarious.

Stefanski, currently in his fourth season, boasts a 28-24 overall record. While not disastrous, this record is demonstrably underwhelming, especially considering the substantial investment the Browns have made in their roster. The team hasn't reached the playoffs since a promising 2020 season, a fact that looms large over the current situation. The lack of sustained success, despite possessing significant talent on both sides of the ball, is increasingly seen as a failure of coaching, not just personnel.

A Pattern of Problems: The Root Causes of the Uncertainty

The current scrutiny isn't a reaction to a single game. A confluence of issues has plagued the Browns under Stefanski's leadership, eroding confidence within the organization and among the fanbase. These issues fall into several key categories:

• Chronic Offensive Struggles: For multiple seasons, the Browns' running game has underperformed, failing to consistently establish a ground attack. Despite investing heavily in offensive linemen and running backs, the team consistently ranks near the bottom of the league in rushing yards. This lack of a reliable rushing attack puts immense pressure on the passing game, making the offense predictable.
• Fourth-Quarter Failures: A recurring theme of the Stefanski era has been the inability to close out games. The Browns have repeatedly squandered leads in the fourth quarter, often due to conservative play-calling and a lack of adjustments. This inability to secure victories in crucial moments has become a frustrating pattern for fans and a point of concern for ownership.
• Defensive Inconsistency: While the defense, anchored by Garrett, possesses undeniable talent, it has been plagued by inconsistency. Defensive breakdowns at critical moments have cost the team valuable games. The defensive scheme, while showing potential, often fails to consistently capitalize on the team's strengths.
• Play-Calling Concerns: Critics consistently point to Stefanski's seemingly rigid play-calling approach. Opposing defenses have begun to anticipate his tendencies, effectively neutralizing the Browns' offensive threats. A lack of in-game adjustments and creative play designs have hampered the team's ability to adapt and exploit opponent weaknesses.

Stefanski's Response and the Road Ahead

Addressing the swirling rumors during a Monday press conference, Stefanski maintained a stoic front. He asserted his focus remains solely on improving the team and dismissed concerns about his job security. "I'm not really focused on that," he stated. "I'm focused on getting better as a football team, as a coaching staff. That's all I'm worried about." However, his words seem to ring hollow for many, given the mounting evidence suggesting a serious re-evaluation is underway.

The Browns face a daunting schedule in the coming weeks, with upcoming contests against the Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers, and Baltimore Ravens. These games will undoubtedly serve as critical evaluation points for ownership and general manager Andrew Berry. A series of losses could seal Stefanski's fate, while a surprising turnaround might buy him more time.

Several potential replacements are already being discussed within league circles, including innovative offensive minds currently serving as coordinators in successful programs. The Browns are likely seeking a coach who can unlock the full potential of their offensive firepower and build a consistent winning culture. The next few weeks will be decisive in determining the future of the Cleveland Browns and the leadership that will guide them forward.