CLEVELAND (WJW) – The Cleveland Browns announced Monday the team was starting the search for a new head coach.
In a statement from the team owners, the Browns said GM Andrew Berry will lead the search for Cleveland’s next head coach.
“We won 5 games. It’s unacceptable.” Former Cleveland Browns running back Greg Pruitt was clear about the need for change on FOX 8 This Morning after the end of yet another disappointing season.
The Browns closed out the season Sunday with a win against the Cincinnati Bengals to remain at the bottom of the AFC North with a 5-12 record.
“Football is a game of winning and losing. At the end of the day, you got to count your losses,” Pruitt said.
Cleveland fans are familiar with counting losses. 2025’s dismal record is an improvement over 2024 when the Browns had 3 wins.
“Something has to be done about it, because if nothing is done about it, you’re accepting that,” Pruitt added.
FOX 8 crews reported both Stefanski and owner Jimmy Haslam were at the team facilities in Berea Monday morning before word came that Stefanski was being let go.
Stefanski was hired by the Browns in 2020.
Here’s what Stefanski said in a statement:
“After six seasons as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, I leave with an immense sense of gratitude. When I arrived in January of 2020, this organization, this community and Browns fans embraced me and my family with open arms. I cannot express properly in words how good we have been treated. A sincere ‘Thank You’ to everyone who I have been so blessed to work for and with over these six seasons. I’d like to especially thank my coaching staff and the players who did everything that was ever asked of them. They fought through injury and adversity, while always putting the TEAM FIRST. I wish all of you nothing but success.”
The Haslams also released a statement that said in part:
“The entirety of our focus is on building a team that brings our fans the success they long deserve, and we will continue to work relentlessly towards that goal and invest whatever resources necessary to build a winning football program.”
Stefanski is the sixth coach fired since owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam bought the franchise in 2012. The Browns have a 73-139-1 regular-season record since 2013.
In a press conference Monday morning, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said they were “as frustrated” as the fans. “We are going to give you a better product.”
“Our sole goal is to be a consistent winner,” Haslam said. They will begin the head coaching search Monday afternoon, he added.
Haslam praised General Manager Andrew Berry, saying he believed he made crucial acquisitions for the team this season.
Cleveland’s record lands the team a No. 6 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“We have a lot of work to do on the roster, particularly on the offensive side of the roster,” Haslam said.
“We did not see enough progress in areas that were controllable,” GM Andrew Berry said in an afternoon press conference.
According to the Associated Press, other head coaches fired this season include Cardinal’s Jonathan Gannon, Raiders Pete Carroll, Tennessee’s Brian Callahan, the New York Giants’ Brian Daboll and Atlanta’s Raheem Morris.