Kevin Stefanski's Offensive Mind Sought by Rivals of the Cleveland Browns

In the high-stakes world of NFL coaching, successful offensive minds are among the most sought-after commodities—and right now, few are generating more buzz than Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski. After years of building a reputation for crafting balanced, adaptable offenses that maximize player strengths, Stefanski has become a target for rival teams facing offensive rebuilds or seeking to elevate their scoring potential. From AFC North foes to teams across the league, executives and ownership groups have quietly expressed interest in Stefanski’s services, whether as a head coach or a high-level offensive coordinator. Kevin Stefanski's Offensive Mind Sought by Rivals of the Cleveland Browns breaks down the specific aspects of his offensive philosophy that make him desirable, the teams most likely to pursue him, and how his potential departure could impact the Browns. For Cleveland, Stefanski’s rising stock is a double-edged sword: it’s a testament to his success, but it also puts one of the team’s most valuable assets at risk.

Kevin Stefanski's Offensive Mind Sought by Rivals of the Cleveland Browns starts with the foundation of his appeal: a proven track record of building elite rushing offenses that set up explosive passing games. In his four seasons with the Browns, Stefanski has consistently ranked among the top 10 in rushing yards per game, even with changes at running back and offensive line. His ability to design schemes that leverage a running back’s unique skills—whether Nick Chubb’s between-the-tackles power or Kareem Hunt’s pass-catching versatility—has made the Browns’ run game one of the most reliable in the NFL. For example, in 2023, the Browns ranked 4th in rushing yards per game (132.1) despite losing Chubb to a midseason injury, with Stefanski adjusting to use Hunt and backup Jerome Ford in complementary roles. “Stefanski doesn’t force a one-size-fits-all system,” said a former NFL offensive coordinator who has studied his work. “He builds the run game around his players, and that’s rare. Teams with talented running backs but struggling offenses see him as the solution to their problems.” This adaptability is especially attractive to rivals like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals, who have talented rushers but have failed to build consistent run games in recent years.

Another key reason for Stefanski’s appeal is his ability to maximize quarterback production, even with inconsistent talent at the position. When Stefanski arrived in 2020, he inherited a Browns quarterback room that had been a revolving door for years—but he quickly turned Baker Mayfield into a Pro Bowl-caliber player, leading the team to its first playoff win in 26 years. More recently, he’s helped Deshaun Watson rebound from a down 2022 season, refining the passing game to play to Watson’s strengths as a scrambler and deep-ball thrower. Under Stefanski, Watson’s completion percentage has risen from 60.2% in 2022 to 67.5% in 2024, and his interception rate has dropped by nearly half. “Stefanski knows how to put quarterbacks in positions to succeed,” said an NFL scout who covers the AFC North. “He doesn’t ask them to do things they can’t do. For teams with young quarterbacks or veterans looking to bounce back, that’s a game-changer.” Rivals like the Indianapolis Colts (who have struggled to develop young QBs) and the Tennessee Titans (who need to revitalize Ryan Tannehill or a rookie) have been linked to Stefanski in league circles, drawn to his ability to stabilize the most critical position in football.

Kevin Stefanski's Offensive Mind Sought by Rivals of the Cleveland Browns also highlights how his emphasis on balance makes his offense difficult to defend—and desirable to teams tired of one-dimensional attacks. Unlike some offensive minds who rely heavily on passing or running, Stefanski builds schemes that keep defenses guessing: the Browns typically rank in the top 12 in both rushing and passing attempts per game, forcing opponents to prepare for every scenario. This balance was on full display in 2024, when the Browns defeated the Baltimore Ravens 24-17 by rushing for 142 yards and passing for 228 yards—keeping the Ravens’ defense off-balance all game. “Stefanski’s offense doesn’t have a predictable rhythm,” said a Ravens assistant coach, speaking on condition of anonymity. “You can’t load up against the run or drop back in coverage—you have to defend both, and that wears you down. Every team wants that kind of balance, and he’s one of the best at creating it.” For the Cleveland Browns, this balance has been a cornerstone of their success—but it’s also what makes Stefanski so attractive to rivals. Teams like the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers, who have struggled with unbalanced, inefficient offenses, see Stefanski as the key to becoming more competitive.

A less talked-about but critical factor in Stefanski’s appeal is his ability to build and develop offensive staffs—a trait that ensures his system can sustain success even if he departs. During his time in Cleveland, Stefanski has mentored rising coaches like offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and running backs coach Stump Mitchell, both of whom have become candidates for coordinator jobs elsewhere. This ability to groom talent shows rivals that Stefanski isn’t just a one-man show; he can build a culture of offensive excellence that outlasts his tenure. “When you hire Stefanski, you’re not just getting a head coach or coordinator—you’re getting someone who can build a staff that will keep the offense performing at a high level,” said an NFL team executive. “That’s a huge plus for teams looking to rebuild their entire offensive operation.” For the Cleveland Browns, this has been a strength—until now. Rivals see Stefanski’s track record of developing staff as a reason to pursue him, knowing he can quickly turn around an offensive unit without needing years to rebuild. It also puts pressure on the Browns to retain not just Stefanski, but the assistants he’s groomed—lest they lose an entire offensive brain trust.

Kevin Stefanski's Offensive Mind Sought by Rivals of the Cleveland Browns concludes with the implications for the Browns and Stefanski’s future. While Stefanski has publicly expressed loyalty to Cleveland—saying in a recent press conference, “This is a special place, and I’m committed to winning here”—the NFL’s competitive nature means offers from rivals are likely to come, especially if the Browns fall short of playoff expectations. For the Cleveland Browns organization, retaining Stefanski will require more than just a contract extension; it will require providing him with the resources to keep the offense competitive, including upgrades to the offensive line and wide receiver corps. For Stefanski, the interest from rivals is a validation of his work—but it also presents a choice: stay in Cleveland, where he’s built a foundation, or take on a new challenge with a team that may offer more control or resources. Regardless of what happens, one thing is clear: Kevin Stefanski’s offensive mind has established him as one of the NFL’s most valuable coaching assets, and his name will continue to be mentioned in coaching searches for years to come. For the Browns, the fight to keep him is about more than retaining a coach—it’s about protecting the future of their offense and their hopes of winning a championship.