Kevin Stefanski is on the hot seat in Cleveland following a 2-7 start and he’s come under intense scrutiny for how he’s handled rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Losses include a 17–41 defeat at Baltimore and a 34–10 road loss at Detroit. With the offense stuck near the bottom of the league and little sign of traction, the front office is increasingly under scrutiny.
Owner Jimmy Haslam gave Stefanski a vote of confidence a couple of weeks ago, but with insiders listing Stefanski among the most likely coaches to be fired next, it’s clear his time in Cleveland could be coming to an end.Â
If the Browns make a move, here are five candidates who could be in line to become the next head coach.
Next Cleveland Browns Head Coach Odds
| Candidate | Odds | Implied % |
|---|---|---|
| Klint Kubiak | +400 | 20.0% |
| Kliff Kingsbury | +500 | 16.7% |
| Deion Sanders | +500 | 16.7% |
| Joe Brady | +600 | 14.3% |
| Frank Smith | +700 | 12.5% |
| Dan Pitcher | +800 | 11.1% |
| Brian Flores | +900 | 10.0% |
| Matt Campbell | +900 | 10.0% |
| Bubba Ventrone | +1100 | 8.3% |
| Todd Monken | +1200 | 7.7% |
| Jim Schwartz | +1200 | 7.7% |
| Mike LaFleur | +1400 | 6.7% |
| Jeff Hafley | +1600 | 5.9% |
| Ejiro Evero | +1800 | 5.3% |
| Jim Bob Cooter | +2000 | 4.8% |
| Matt Nagy | +2200 | 4.3% |
| Tommy Rees | +2500 | 3.8% |
| Lou Anarumo | +2500 | 3.8% |
| Kevin Patullo | +3000 | 3.2% |
| Leslie Frazier | +3500 | 2.8% |
| Brian Callahan | +4000 | 2.4% |
Klint Kubiak
Klint Kubiak might be the most realistic option on this list. The son of Super Bowl-winning coach Gary Kubiak, Klint has quietly built a reputation as one of the NFL’s most promising young offensive coordinators.
Currently the offensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks, his zone-based scheme and emphasis on rhythm passing would fit Cleveland’s personnel well. He also offers some continuity. His father’s system influenced Stefanski’s playbook but comes with a more modern edge.
For a front office that values familiarity and structure, Kubiak could be the perfect middle ground between change and stability.
Kliff Kingsbury
If the Browns want to fix their offense, hiring Kliff Kingsbury offers a clear path forward.
The former Cardinals head coach and current Commanders offensive coordinator is known for his creativity and quarterback-friendly system. Cleveland’s passing game has been lifeless, and Kingsbury could be the one to revive it, especially if the Browns decide to build around a young quarterback. Kingsbury has worked wonders with some of the game’s best young quarterbacks, including Jayden Daniels and Kyler Murray.
While he’s not without flaws, Kingsbury’s offensive mind could help fix some of the predictable play-calling that has plagued the Browns over the past few seasons.
Deion Sanders
Deion Sanders may not be the most conventional candidate, but few names could energize the Browns fanbase like Coach Prime. His magnetic leadership and proven ability to change culture make him a strong fit for a Cleveland team that’s lost its spark. Sanders has shown he can command a locker room and turn things around even when the odds are stacked against him.
If his son, Shedeur Sanders, plays well enough down the stretch to justify opening the 2026 season as the starting QB in Cleveland, Deion will likely find himself at the top of the short list of candidates for the job.
The thought of Deion overseeing his son’s NFL development adds a unique layer to an already compelling storyline, one that would immediately put Cleveland at the center of the football world.
Joe Brady
Joe Brady is one of the more respected offensive minds on the rise. He rebuilt Buffalo’s passing attack in 2024 after taking over full time and quickly helped reestablish rhythm around Josh Allen.
His time at LSU, where he designed one of the most explosive college offenses ever, still defines his reputation.
Teams see him as a modern play-caller who adapts quickly and connects well with quarterbacks. If Cleveland’s ownership wants a sharp, offensive-driven reset, Brady will be near the top of most shortlists.
Brian Flores
Currently the Vikings’ defensive coordinator, Brian Flores would bring instant credibility and toughness to the Browns.Â
Flores was respected in Miami for his no-nonsense approach and defensive acumen, and his time under Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh only strengthened his reputation. Cleveland’s defense already has elite pieces, but its culture and discipline have wavered. Flores would restore that edge and give the Browns the kind of leadership that doesn’t flinch under pressure, a stark contrast to the team’s current makeup.Â
While Cleveland will likely prioritize a bright offensive mind for the job, if it opts for a defensive-minded coach, Flores would make for a worthy candidate.
Matt Campbell
If Cleveland looks to the college ranks, Iowa State’s Matt Campbell could be back on the radar. Campbell interviewed with the Chicago Bears in January during the organization’s head coaching search, but ultimately signed an extension with the Cyclones.Â
However, the Browns’ job might be enough to move the needle.Â
In Cleveland, Campbell would have the opportunity to develop a young quarterback, enough draft picks to jump start a rebuild, and defense that could help him become competitive sooner than later.
Known for building disciplined, cohesive teams, he’s one of the few college coaches with a system that could translate to the pros. His player development record and leadership style align with what the Browns desperately need: a steady hand who can rebuild a culture from the ground up.
