The Cleveland Browns have not seen results the past two seasons under head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry. Coming into the 2023 season, expect Stefanski to be near the top of the odds to be the first head coach fired in Vegas. However, the actions of the organization and, more importantly, the actions of those choosing to be in Berea indicate this regime is not a lame-duck regime.
Bill Callahan, widely renowned as one of the best offensive line coaches in all of football, rejected an interview to become the offensive coordinator of the New York Jets. He instead opted to sign an extension to stay in Cleveland with the Browns.
Jim Schwartz, who spent last season as a senior defensive analyst with the Tennessee Titans, could have waited out the defensive coordinator process to feel out other opportunities. He could have had his pick of the litter and instead opted to take the job in Cleveland before the five teams who were looking for head coaches even hired new leaders.
Bubba Ventrone, a well-respected special teams coordinator and leading voice within the organization of the Indianapolis Colts, packed his bags and willingly came to Cleveland despite the ability to keep the job under Shane Steichen.
These are not lame-duck moves. These are not lame-duck hires. This is not the same as Hue Jackson hiring an often scoffed-at defensive coordinator in Gregg Williams, who is now coaching in the XFL because he won’t find another NFL job. This isn’t Todd Haley walking into the organization after the Pittsburgh Steelers decided to let him walk after his contract expired.
Everybody around the league knew the Carolina Panthers had a lame-duck head coach in Matt Rhule last year, including other coordinator candidates. And who did the Panthers land as their offensive coordinator? Head coaching reject Ben McAdoo, likely one of very few who were interested in a six-month vacation in Charlotte.
The moves the Browns are making, and the decisions that high-profile coaches who could easily find jobs elsewhere are making, are not indicative of a regime on the hot seat.
Do the young players on the roster need to improve to show signs that Berry has not drafted handfuls of non-contributors? Absolutely. Does Berry need to reevaluate his process a bit and take a good look in the mirror? Definitely.
Does Stefanski need to sit down and figure out how to meld his strengths with that of his personnel this offseason? Yes. Do the Browns need to get back in the playoffs for him to feel better about his security? Considering he has just two years left on his contract with no extension, yes he does.
This regime led by Berry and Stefanski could very well be fired, however, the owner is not going to hold back resources. The ownership is continuing to give them every chance to get it right. If they go out, they will go out swinging.
However, if the Browns get back into the playoffs this season, and they have no excuses not to, then expect both Berry and Stefanski to get new contracts with a bit of extra coin on them. This is not a lame-duck regime.
