Kevin Stefanski Reflects on Season Challenges for the Cleveland Browns

As the 2025 NFL season enters its final stretch, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski finds himself in a familiar yet frustrating position: navigating a campaign filled with unexpected hurdles that have derailed the team’s playoff aspirations. In a recent sit-down interview with local reporters, Stefanski opened up about the challenges his team has faced—from a wave of key injuries to inconsistent performances on both sides of the ball—and offered a candid reflection on what went wrong, what the team has learned, and how they plan to move forward. For Stefanski, who has led the Browns to one playoff appearance since 2020, this season’s struggles have been a test of leadership and resilience. Kevin Stefanski Reflects on Season Challenges for the Cleveland Browns dives into his insights, exploring the most pressing issues the team has confronted, his own role in addressing them, and the mindset needed to turn things around in the future.

Kevin Stefanski Reflects on Season Challenges for the Cleveland Browns begins with the most significant obstacle: the team’s ongoing battle with injuries. From defensive tackle Maliek Collins’ uncertain quad recovery to quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ midseason MCL sprain, the Browns have lost key players for extended periods—disrupting chemistry and forcing backups to step into unfamiliar roles. Stefanski acknowledged that while injuries are part of the NFL, the timing and severity of this season’s absences have been particularly tough to overcome. “You can’t plan for losing your starting defensive tackle in Week 3 or your quarterback in Week 7,” he said, his tone measured but earnest. “We talk all the time about building depth, but when those depth players are thrown into critical situations before they’re ready, it’s a challenge. It’s not an excuse—it’s a reality we have to manage better.” Stefanski pointed to the team’s Week 10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals as a turning point, where a shorthanded defense collapsed in the second half after holding a 14-point lead. “That game summed up our season: we had the talent, the plan, but we couldn’t sustain it because we were missing guys who make plays when it matters most.”

Kevin Stefanski Reflects on Season Challenges for the Cleveland Browns delves into the offensive inconsistencies that have plagued the team all season—even after Sanders’ return from injury. The Browns’ offense, which was projected to be a strength, has ranked 22nd in points per game and 19th in total yards, struggling to find a rhythm in both the run and pass games. Stefanski took responsibility for part of the issue, admitting that his playcalling at times was too predictable, especially in red-zone situations where the team has converted just 45% of its opportunities (28th in the NFL). “I need to be better at putting our players in positions to succeed,” he said. “There were games where we relied too much on one or two plays, and opposing defenses caught on. That’s on me—I have to be more creative, more adaptable.” He also highlighted the offensive line’s struggles, which have allowed 38 sacks (17th in the NFL) and limited the running game to just 98 yards per contest. “Our line has been banged up too, but that’s no reason to let up on execution. We’ve spent extra time in practice on pass protection and run blocking, but it’s going to take time to fix.”

Kevin Stefanski Reflects on Season Challenges for the Cleveland Browns examines how the Cleveland Browns’ defensive slide has compounded their offensive issues—and the steps the team is taking to address it. After finishing 10th in total defense in 2024, the Browns have dropped to 21st this season, struggling to stop the run and generate consistent pressure on quarterbacks. Stefanski credited defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz for making adjustments but noted that the loss of Collins and injuries to linebackers have left the unit vulnerable. “Jim has done a great job of scheming around our injuries, but at some point, you need players to make plays,” he said. “We’ve seen flashes—Myles Garrett has 11 sacks, Alex Wright has 8—but we haven’t been able to put together a full game of dominant defense.” For the Cleveland Browns, this defensive inconsistency has meant that even when the offense manages to score, the defense can’t hold leads—a issue that was on full display in their Week 13 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, where they gave up a go-ahead touchdown with 45 seconds left. Stefanski said the team has focused on situational defense in practice, working on end-of-game scenarios and red-zone stops to build confidence.

Kevin Stefanski Reflects on Season Challenges for the Cleveland Browns explores the challenge of maintaining team morale amid a disappointing season—and how the Cleveland Browns have kept their locker room focused on the task at hand. With playoff hopes fading, Stefanski has emphasized “controlling the controllable,” urging players to focus on one game at a time and take pride in their performance, regardless of the standings. He pointed to team meetings where veterans like Garrett and wide receiver Amari Cooper have spoken up, reminding younger players that every game is an opportunity to grow. “Our veterans have been instrumental in keeping this team together,” Stefanski said. “They’ve been through tough seasons before, and they know that how you respond to adversity defines you as a player and a team.” For the Cleveland Browns, this focus on growth has translated to small wins: a dominant fourth quarter in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens, a comeback victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15. “Those moments matter,” Stefanski said. “They remind us what we’re capable of, and they give us something to build on for next season.”

Kevin Stefanski Reflects on Season Challenges for the Cleveland Browns wraps up with Stefanski’s vision for the future—and the steps the Cleveland Browns need to take to avoid similar struggles next year. He emphasized the importance of building better depth through the draft and free agency, especially along the offensive line and in the secondary, and noted that the team’s front office is already working on personnel moves. He also talked about the need to develop young players, like rookie defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. and wide receiver Jalen Brown, who have shown promise in limited action. “This season has taught us a lot about where we need to improve,” Stefanski said. “We can’t just rely on our stars—we need to have guys who can step up when injuries happen, and we need to build a culture where every player takes ownership of their role.” For the Cleveland Browns, this means a busy offseason of scouting, drafting, and coaching adjustments—but Stefanski is confident that the team can bounce back. “Cleveland deserves a winning football team, and we’re committed to delivering that,” he said. “It won’t happen overnight, but we have the foundation—the talent, the leadership, the fan support—to turn this around. This season’s challenges will only make us stronger.” As the Browns prepare for the final two games of the 2025 season, Stefanski’s focus remains on finishing strong—for the fans, for the team, and for the future of Cleveland Browns football.