Shortly after the Browns announced they had relieved Kevin Stefanski of his head coaching duties, Managing and Principal Partner Jimmy Haslam met with local media members at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus to discuss the change to the coaching staff.
"Personnel decisions, particularly with people at the top of an organization are always difficult, and I can tell you, having made a lot of these over the years that this was as difficult as any we've ever had to make because of the quality of the person involved," Haslam said. "Organized, worked hard, navigated our ship for six years through the inevitable ups and downs that we face in the NFL. Outstanding father and husband. […] It's finite, you either win, or you lose. And Kevin did a lot of good things here over his time period with us. It was an extremely difficult decision we made, and I would be highly optimistic that Kevin will be a head coach again in the league."
Haslam said they will begin their search for a new head coach on Jan. 5, with Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry leading the search. Haslam also added other key members of the organization and ownership will be involved in the process of finding a new head coach.
Amid the change at head coach, Haslam addressed why Berry will stay in his role. He highlighted different moves Berry executed in 2025 alone in order to strengthen the Browns, beginning with signing DT Maliek Collins during free agency. Berry conducted a trade shortly before the 2025 NFL Draft that added critical picks in both 2025 and 2026. He then drafted the 2025 draft class that features players who stepped into starting roles from the first week of the season and made a positive impact – particularly LB Carson Schwesinger, who Haslam believes has the chance to be the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
"I think what's important to understand about our rookies though – and you all see them, you all know them – they're not only really good players, but they're also really good people," Haslam said. "And they will be the cornerstone with which we'll build and grow and develop this winning team."
Haslam also highlighted the signing of K Andre Szmyt and the stability they have found at placekicker, as Szmyt finished his first season making 24 of 27 field goal attempts and 25 of 26 extra point attempts – including a game-winning 49-yard walk-off field goal in Week 18 against the Bengals. The in-season trade for CB Tyson Campbell strengthened their secondary with his speed and his fit in the defensive scheme. Campbell finished the 2025 season with 12 passes defensed, 53 tackles, one pick-six, one forced fumble, one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit in 12 games.
"I think this year we not only added really good players but also really good people," Haslam said. "And I think that corps that Andrew has put together this year will help move us forward. We hope to have similar results this coming year."
As they begin their search, Haslam emphasized how the 2026 offseason will play an important role in the future success of the Browns. He believed with the players on the roster they were capable of winning more games in 2025 but also acknowledged the Browns must improve the offensive side of the ball heading into the 2026 season.
With opportunities to add players during free agency and the draft another strong rookie class, the Browns can address different positions on the roster to amplify the group in the locker room.
"The next 120 days are crucial for the organization," Haslam said. "We've got to find the right head coach. We've got to be efficient again in free agency. We have 10 draft picks including two number 1s. We have four picks in the top three rounds. And we've got to get really good players who are really good people again. We've got to be opportunistic if trade opportunities come along. We are solely focused on having a great 120 days so we can start winning games around here."
As the Browns dive into the offseason and strive for improvement, Haslam reiterated a message to the fan base about their commitment to success.
"First of all, ownership takes full responsibility for where we are," Haslam said. "To win eight games in two years is horrible. It's totally unacceptable. And it's not going to continue. And I want the fans to know we are as frustrated as you are, and we hear a lot from our fans, which we actually appreciate. We have great fans. They're extremely passionate, and they deserve better than what they've got in the last two years. We are going to give you a better product. Our sole goal here is to be a consistent winner, not make the playoffs in '20 and then make it again in '23, not win eight games in two years. That's not what we're trying to do. That's not acceptable. Our fans deserve better."
