Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is in the midst of a sensational season. Not only are the Browns 8-5 and in control of their playoff destiny, but they’re doing it with a plethora of injuries across the roster and with 38-year-old veteran Joe Flacco at the helm.
As such, Stefanski is now tied for the sixth-best odds to win NFL Coach of the Year. His +1200 odds, per BetMGM, are up tremendously from the +300 odds he had to win the award just a week ago. Stefanski is tied with Sean Payton, whose Denver Broncos have won six of their past seven games, and behind Dan Campbell (Detroit Lions), DeMeco Ryans (Houston Texans), Mike McDaniel (Miami Dolphins) Shane Steichen (Indianapolis Colts) and Kyle Shanahan (San Francisco 49ers).
All are certainly deserving of the award, but none have accomplished what Stefanski has this season. The Browns are on their fourth starting quarterback, lost their Pro Bowl running back in Week 2, lost three starting offensive tackles and have had 17 total players on injured reserve this season. But thanks to a great defense under new coordinator Jim Schwartz and good game-planning by Stefanksi, the Browns are winning games and staying in the playoff hunt.
If Stefanski doesn’t win the award, he should at least get a look at a contract extension from the Browns. He’s having his best season since he won Coach of the Year in 2020 as a first-year head. coach. Stefanski hasn’t had a winning season since then, but he’s just one victory away from securing one, and perhaps a playoff spot as well.
