Cleveland Browns: Ranking 7 head coaching candidates in play
1. Kevin Stefanski
Coaching Experience: Vikings offensive coordinator (2018-present — interim in 2018), Vikings QBs coach (2017-18), Vikings RBs coach (2016), Vikings TEs coach (2014-15), Vikings assistant QBs coach (2009-13), Vikings assistant to the head coach (2006-08)
In truth, Kevin Stefanski should’ve been hired in the 2019 offseason instead of Freddie Kitchens. Hindsight is obviously 20-20 and that’s in play here but it doesn’t change that nearly inarguable fact. But if the Browns play their cards right as they venture into the 2020 offseason, they can remedy their mistake from a year ago and land the current Vikings offensive coordinator.
Having spent his entire NFL coaching career with Minnesota since starting as an assistant to the head coach in 2006, the 37-year old Stefanski has more than proven himself in the past few years. As the quarterbacks coach, he helped Case Keenum become a viable NFL starter and lead the Vikings to the playoffs.
Meanwhile, he redesigned the offense for Kirk Cousins and Dalvin Cook to look like the best possible version of that duo in his first full season as offensive coordinator in 2019. Considering how lackluster that group was prior to him taking over as the interim coordinator in 2018, that’s just another feather in his cap.
Perhaps the biggest thing working in favor of Stefanski potentially being hired is that he’s Browns Chief Strategy Officer Paul DePodesta’s guy. DePodesta wanted to hire Stefanski last offseason but was overruled by Dorsey and others. This time around, he’s calling the shots and could land his guy.
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No matter who’s making the final decisions, though, Stefanski is the best hire the Browns could make. He’s a young, analytically-inclined, creative offensive coach that has leadership qualities oozing from his pedigree. Stefanski would be the guy to right the wrong that was hiring Kitchens last offseason.