The 2023 season has not gone according to plan for the Browns from an injury perspective, but the team is in a playoff spot entering Week 13. As a result, the job security for head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry is not a talking point. 
Both entered the season with considerable expectations given the strength of Cleveland’s roster, and the annual regression in the win-loss department which had taken place during their three-year tenures. However, season-ending injuries to the likes of running back Nick Chubb and, more recently, quarterback Deshaun Watson have not prevented a 7-4 start and the strong chance of a postseason berth. The team’s success so far has chased away the possibility of a change on the sideline or in the front office.
Both Stefanski and Berry are “here to stay,” Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports (subscription required). The former earned Coach of the Year honors in 2020 after leading the team to a record of 11-5 and making it to the divisional round of the playoffs. A step back to 8-9 followed, though, along with a 7-10 mark in 2022, the first year with Watson at the helm (though his suspension delayed his Browns debut until Week 12 during that campaign). That regression led some to believe the heat could quickly increase on the Stefanski-Berry regime barring improvements.
No coaching change took place this past offseason, to no surprise, and Stefanski’s coaching performance in 2023 has likewise unsurprisingly earned him a longer leash. The Browns are tied to the decision to acquire Watson – a move which included a trade package of three first-round picks followed by a fully guaranteed $230MM contract – and the repercussions which will come from it. The former Texans Pro Bowler has not lived up to expectations so far in Cleveland, but the team’s ability to win without him in the lineup or playing to his previous level when on the field has drawn rave reviews.
That will continue to be tested as Joe Flacco is set to start in Week 13 with rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson sidelined. Adding the veteran late in the season could prove to be a shrewd move if it allows the Browns to continue winning with a severely shorthanded offense and push for a postseason berth in the crowded AFC. Even if that does not prove to be the case, though, both Stefanski and Berry appear to have earned themselves extra leeway heading into the offseason.
I hardly think he’s great, but the Browns have too many issues to be blaming Stefanski for this team’s mediocrity.
What HC and GM candidates with other options would want those jobs right now? You need a good QB to win in the NFL, and you’re stuck with The Predator, who’s being paid like he’s Mahomes. You’re set up to fail.
They have overachieved this season with injuries to Chubb and Watson. The oline had injuries and they are still in the playoff race.
They’re 7-4 with no QB and their best player (Chubb) injured too, how could he possibly be on the hot seat?
Seriously. The guy is closer to coach or the year than getting fired
The coaches have done an admirable job in the wake of injuries to key players.
The GM that authorized the Watson debacle should be banished from the league forever.
I’ve noticed ‘end zones’ with social messages yet why is there not one against using positions of money and fame to ferment predatory behavior?
I hated the Watson deal (and obviously still do), but I think we’re kidding ourselves if we blame it on AB. There’s no way of knowing, but I’d be shocked if it wasn’t a Haslam decision that Berry is taking the heat for.
Why in the world would either of them be on the hot seat?
… wait, you say Jimmy Haslam is the owner? Oh, that explains why anyone might think that.
Til wk 3 2024
Staley Saleh Eberfluss are all on hot seat
Watson is a waste of money. He sucks.
Also, this just in: water is wet.
Back to you in the studio
Awesome news (for the rest of the league)!
So basically, Hue Jackson won’t have to sit by the phone waiting for a call?
I wonder why Russini wrote this article in the first place. Next she’ll be telling us Andy Reid is safe.
Andy will be targeted by the haters after they are done with Belichick. They’ll claim Reid was nothing without Mahomes just as they claimed BB was nothing without Brady.
The FO had multiple opportunities to have a solid backup option behind Watson. Even after he was hurt the first time before the Allstar break. He was getting better so they balked at the chance to trade for someone. If the don’t make the playoffs then Berry needs to shoulder some of the blame
trade deadline, not Allstar break
Not in danger……..unless they fail to make the playoffs. Then all bets are off.
Sure, no biggie, getn fired anyway, today,tmrw, nxt season, etc.