For the first four years of Kevin Stefanski’s tenure in Cleveland, the offensive guru naturally handled the playcalling responsibilities for the Browns. Following a disastrous 3-14 season that left his job in jeopardy, Stefanski announced on Thursday that he would return to his roots by taking charge of play calling again. Amidst a 1-6 start to the 2024 season, he had previously relinquished those duties to offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey.
Despite the change, the Browns struggled to recover from their poor start, with Deshaun Watson under center for much of the season. Although Jameis Winston showcased moments of brilliance, he was ultimately plagued by turnover-prone play. It remains unclear who will lead the team in 2025, but whoever it is will work closely with Stefanski, who is set to resume play calling for the organization. “I’m going to call plays, and I reserve the right to change my mind,” Stefanski stated during a press conference, as transcribed by ESPN.
The Browns have hired a new offensive coordinator, who previously served in the same role at Alabama before joining the team earlier this offseason. For now, Rees will not be responsible for play calling; however, another slow start in 2025 could lead to a shift in that responsibility.
Stefanski has enjoyed success at the NFL level, with several seasons featuring double-digit wins, but another poor year could jeopardize his position. With this in mind, it seems he aims to leave on his own terms by calling plays in what might be his final year in Cleveland. There is significant pressure on him, and he may look to acquire a quarterback during the 2025 NFL Draft, where the Browns hold the No. 2 overall pick. To ensure long-term success and job security, the Browns need to bring in someone capable of executing Stefanski’s offensive strategy as intended.
