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Kevin Stefanski
Kevin Stefanski
from Wikipedia

Kevin Lawrence Stefanski /stəˈfɛnsk/ (born May 8, 1982) is an American professional football coach who is the head coach for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL).[1] He began his NFL career as an assistant coach for the Minnesota Vikings from 2006 to 2019 and was the offensive coordinator during his final two seasons.[2] Stefanski left Minnesota to become the Browns' head coach in 2020, where he led the team to their first playoff appearance since 2002. He was named NFL Coach of the Year after the season, becoming the first Browns coach to receive the honor since 1976 and the first following the franchise's 1999 return as an expansion team. He led the Browns to a second playoff appearance in 2023, also winning NFL Coach of the Year a second time.

Key Information

Early life and playing career

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Stefanski graduated from St. Joseph's Preparatory School in 2000 and the University of Pennsylvania in 2004. Stefanski played defensive back while at Penn, being named the Quakers Freshman of the Year in 2000. He was part of the only undefeated Penn team of the decade and was twice an All-Ivy League selection.

Coaching career

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Minnesota Vikings assistant

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Stefanski joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2006 as an assistant to then-head coach Brad Childress.[3] In 2009, he was promoted to assistant quarterbacks' coach, where he would serve until the 2013 season and had coached quarterbacks such as Brett Favre and Christian Ponder. Despite the Vikings' ups and downs during his tenure, Stefanski survived 3 coaching changes (Childress, Leslie Frazier, and Mike Zimmer).

In 2017, after Scott Turner was let go, Stefanski was promoted to coach the Vikings quarterbacks, where he helped transform the Vikings into the NFL's 10th-highest scoring offense. Quarterback Case Keenum had his best season under Stefanski, throwing 22 touchdown passes and only seven interceptions.[4] He previously worked with the running backs in 2016 and the tight ends in 2014 and 2015.

After the 2017 season, the New York Giants requested to interview and hire Stefanski as their new offensive coordinator, but the Vikings denied the request.[5]

After offensive coordinator John DeFilippo was fired following a 21–7 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Stefanski was named interim offensive coordinator.[6] On January 9, 2019, Stefanski was promoted to full-time offensive coordinator.[7]

Cleveland Browns

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On January 13, 2020, Stefanski signed a five-year contract to become the 18th head coach of the Cleveland Browns, two days after the Minnesota Vikings lost in the NFC playoffs.[8] On September 13, 2020, Stefanski lost his head coaching debut to the Baltimore Ravens by a score of 38–6. The loss marked the 16th consecutive Week 1 without a win for the Browns.[9] On September 17, Stefanski recorded his first career win as a head coach in the 35–30 win against the Cincinnati Bengals.[10]

On December 6, Stefanski became the first Browns head coach since Romeo Crennel in 2007 to lead the franchise to a winning season, securing his ninth win with a 41–35 victory over the Tennessee Titans. Stefanski led the Browns to a 11–5 record, finishing third in the AFC North and clinching the Browns' first playoff berth since 2002. It was also the franchise's best record since their 1999 return.[11] However, Stefanski tested positive for COVID-19 on the Tuesday before the game,[12] preventing him from coaching the wild card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.[13] The Browns went on to defeat the Steelers 48–37, which was their first playoff win since 1994, as well as their first since their 1999 re-activation.[14] He returned to the team on January 14.[13] The Browns lost the following week to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Round, 22–17. For his work during the 2020 season, Stefanski was named as the Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year.[15] He was the first Browns coach to receive the honor since Forrest Gregg in 1976, in addition to being the first after Cleveland's return in 1999.

During the 2023 Browns season, Stefanski led the team to a second winning season (11–6) along with another playoff appearance becoming the first Browns head coach to lead the team to multiple postseason appearances since Marty Schottenheimer. He again was named Associated Press Coach of the Year.[16] The Browns saw their season end in the Wild Card Round with a 45–14 loss to the Houston Texans.[17]

On June 5, 2024, the Browns signed Stefanski to a contract extension.[18] The Browns faltered to a 3–14 record in the 2024 season.[19]

Head coaching record

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Team Year Regular season Postseason
Won Lost Ties Win % Finish Won Lost Win % Result
CLE 2020 11 5 0 .688 3rd in AFC North 1 1 .500 Lost to Kansas City Chiefs in AFC Divisional Game
CLE 2021 8 9 0 .471 3rd in AFC North
CLE 2022 7 10 0 .438 4th in AFC North
CLE 2023 11 6 0 .647 2nd in AFC North 0 1 .000 Lost to Houston Texans in AFC Wild Card Game
CLE 2024 3 14 0 .176 4th in AFC North
CLE 2025 2 7 0 .222 TBD in AFC North
Career 42 51 0 .452 1 2 .333

Personal life

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Stefanski's wife, Michelle, is also from Philadelphia. The couple married in 2007. They have three children together, two sons and a daughter.[20] Stefanski is the son of NBA executive Ed Stefanski.[21]

Stefanski is a devout Catholic.[22]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Kevin Stefanski (born May 8, 1982) is an coach who is the of the of the (NFL). He previously served as the of the from 2020 until his dismissal after the 2025 season. Following his dismissal, Stefanski interviewed for head coaching positions with the on January 7, 2026, the Las Vegas Raiders on January 8, 2026, and the Tennessee Titans on January 10, 2026. He was subsequently hired as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, marking his second head coaching role in the NFL and the 20th in team history, with the announcement made on January 17, 2026, following his interview with the team on January 11, 2026, where Matt Ryan, newly appointed as the Falcons' President of Football on January 10, 2026, was involved in the team's coaching search efforts. He previously worked for 14 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, rising through various assistant roles to become the team's in 2019. A graduate of the , where he played as a , Stefanski led the Browns to two playoff appearances (in 2020 and 2023) and holds a regular-season record of 45–56 (.446 winning percentage) over 101 games during his tenure. His success, particularly in guiding the team to an 11–6 record in 2023 despite multiple quarterback injuries, earned him the NFL Coach of the Year award twice—in 2020 and 2023. Born in , , Stefanski grew up in a sports-oriented family; his father, , is a former NBA player and longtime executive who served as general manager of the and . He attended , where he excelled in both football and basketball. At the , an institution, Stefanski majored in English and played for the from 2000 to 2004. Stefanski began his coaching career immediately after graduation, serving as the wide receivers coach at Penn in 2005. He entered the NFL the following year with the as an assistant to Brad Childress from 2006 to 2008. Progressing steadily, he coached running backs from 2009 to 2010, quarterbacks from 2011 to 2012, and tight ends from 2013 to 2017, and served as interim for the final three games of the 2018 season. Promoted to in 2019, Stefanski oversaw a offense that ranked ninth in the in (26.0). Hired by on January 13, 2020, as their 18th full-time , Stefanski inherited a franchise seeking stability after years of upheaval. In his debut season amid the , he guided to an 11–5 record and their first playoff berth since 2002, defeating the in the wild-card round before falling to the . His approach, influenced by the ' West Coast offense but adapted with a run-heavy emphasis, featured innovative play-calling and player development, notably with early on and later with and multiple backups. Despite challenges like injuries and quarterback transitions, Stefanski's calm leadership and culture-building efforts—evident in the team's 2023 playoff appearance—solidified his reputation as a rising figure in coaching. Stefanski was fired by the Browns on January 5, 2026, after the team finished the 2025 season with a 5–12 record. He is married to Michelle Stefanski, with whom he has three children, and the family has established the Keepers Foundation to support underprivileged youth in through football camps and community programs.

Early life

Family background

Kevin Stefanski was born on May 8, 1982, in , . He grew up in the nearby suburb of Drexel Hill, Delaware County, where his family emphasized both athletic pursuits and education. Stefanski's father, , played a pivotal role in shaping his early exposure to professional sports. Ed was a standout player at the from 1973 to 1976 and was selected by the in the 10th round of the , though he never appeared in an NBA game as a player. Transitioning to front-office roles, Ed built a distinguished career as an NBA executive, including positions with the as vice president of basketball operations from 1994 to 2000, as general manager of the Nets from 2004 to 2007, as president and general manager of the from 2007 to 2011, and as executive vice president of basketball operations for the from 2011 to 2013. Ed's achievements provided a model for professional sports careers and ignited Kevin's passion for athletics from a young age. Stefanski's mother, Karen, contributed to a supportive family environment in Drexel Hill that balanced sports with academic focus. Raised in a basketball-oriented household due to his father's background, young Kevin initially showed strong interest in the sport, playing alongside his three brothers. However, he soon recognized his greater aptitude for football and shifted his primary focus to the gridiron, diverging from the family's basketball legacy.

High school athletics

Kevin Stefanski attended in from 1996 to 2000. During his high school years, he excelled in both football and , though he ultimately chose to prioritize football, giving up early in his career despite his family's strong ties to the sport—his father, , had been a standout player at the . This decision allowed Stefanski to focus on his development as a and , roles in which he demonstrated significant leadership and skill. In football, Stefanski served as the starting quarterback and safety during his junior and senior years (1998–1999), earning first-team All-Catholic honors as a junior and second-team All-Catholic honors as a senior. As team captain, he led St. Joseph's Prep to the championship in 1997 as a sophomore and to the title game in 1999, where they fell to Roman Catholic. His senior season statistics included 72 completions out of 146 attempts for 1,080 passing yards and 12 touchdowns, culminating in Catholic League Red MVP honors after edging out future running back Kevin Jones. These performances, combined with his on-field leadership—such as his pre-coin toss rituals as captain—drew attention from programs and facilitated his recruitment to the . Stefanski also participated in at St. Joseph's Prep, contributing to the team's efforts during his early years before shifting his focus exclusively to football. Academically, he maintained strong performance at the rigorous preparatory school, which prepared him for success at the collegiate level.

College career

University of Pennsylvania

Kevin Stefanski enrolled at the in 2000, following his graduation from , and earned a in communications in 2004. At Penn, Stefanski played football for the as a over five seasons (2000–2004), contributing to championship teams in 2000, 2002, and 2003. Building on his high school experience as a , he adapted to the defensive role and earned recognition for his athleticism and leadership. As a in 2000, Stefanski was named the ' Defensive Rookie of the Year, recording 27 tackles (18 solo) and one , with a season-high of seven tackles against Harvard. Over his college career, he accumulated 104 tackles (73 solo) and seven interceptions, while earning honorable mention All-Ivy honors in 2002 and 2004; he served as a team captain during his senior season. He was a three-year winner and served as tri-captain in 2004. Although the depth chart limited his starting opportunities early on, Stefanski provided consistent contributions on defense and special teams for the program. During his sophomore year in 2001, which was cut short by a season-ending injury after the first game, he gained initial exposure to coaching operations by assisting Penn staff, including driving coaches around campus in a team cart.

Transition to coaching

Following his graduation from the University of Pennsylvania in 2004 with a degree in communications, Kevin Stefanski transitioned directly into coaching by remaining with the football program as a . In this entry-level role, he performed essential behind-the-scenes tasks, including and opponent , which allowed him to apply his recent experience as a to gain insights into scheme preparation and player evaluation. Stefanski's position provided a practical bridge from playing to coaching, emphasizing the importance of understanding athlete mindsets while building foundational knowledge in defensive strategies. By 2005, Stefanski advanced to assistant director of football operations at Penn under head coach , where his duties expanded to include operational support, such as coordinating logistics and contributing to overall program efficiency. This promotion honed his abilities in team management and analytical breakdown of game footage, key elements that would prove vital in his future roles. During these early years, Stefanski absorbed lessons in player development by observing how coaching decisions impacted performance, drawing on his own on-field background to foster a player-centric approach. Stefanski's tenure at Penn also facilitated valuable networking within the Ivy League coaching community, which ultimately opened doors to professional opportunities and led to his first NFL position with the Minnesota Vikings in 2006. These initial experiences at his alma mater laid the groundwork for his emphasis on meticulous preparation and collaborative scheme analysis throughout his career.

Professional coaching career

Early roles at Penn and NFL entry

Stefanski entered the NFL in 2006 when newly hired head coach Brad Childress brought him on as an assistant to the head coach for the Minnesota Vikings, a role that involved administrative duties, special projects, and research and development tasks essential to the team's operations. His key responsibilities included breaking down game film, preparing opponent scouting reports, and coordinating staff efforts to support coaching preparations. This position marked a direct application of the analytical skills he honed as assistant director of football operations at the University of Pennsylvania, transitioning him into professional football analytics. Stefanski retained his role through the 2007 and 2008 seasons, navigating the staff transitions and internal changes that occurred under Childress amid the ' evolving roster and performance demands. During this period, he focused on defensive preparations, contributing to the team's strategic planning.

Minnesota Vikings tenure

Stefanski joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2006 as an assistant to head coach , initially handling administrative duties and gaining a broad understanding of team operations, including defensive preparations that informed his later offensive expertise. By 2009, he transitioned to assistant quarterbacks coach, a role he held through 2013 under coordinators and , where he contributed to the development of quarterbacks like in his final NFL season and during his rookie years. This period spanned the end of Childress's tenure and the interim and full stints of as head coach from 2010 to 2012, requiring Stefanski to adapt to shifting offensive philosophies amid three head coaching changes. In 2014, under new head coach , Stefanski was promoted to tight ends coach, a position he maintained through 2015, during which he helped refine the unit's blocking and receiving skills, notably supporting in maintaining productivity with 483 receiving yards in 2014 and 572 in 2015 despite evolving schemes. He then shifted to running backs coach in 2016, overseeing a group that included Adrian Peterson's return from injury and Jerick McKinnon's versatility, as the achieved an 8-8 record while balancing run-heavy approaches. By 2017, Stefanski advanced to quarterbacks coach, mentoring through an unexpected 11-3 regular-season start that propelled the team to the , where Keenum threw for 1,357 yards and 7 touchdowns in the postseason. Stefanski retained the quarterbacks coach role in 2018, assisting Kirk Cousins in his debut season with the Vikings, which ended in an 8-7-1 record and an NFC Wild Card berth despite midseason offensive coordinator changes that saw him serve as interim OC for the final three games. His promotion to full-time offensive coordinator in January 2019 marked the culmination of his progression, as he implemented a run-first scheme augmented by play-action passes, powering running back Dalvin Cook to 1,557 rushing yards and helping the Vikings to a 10-6 record. Under Stefanski's coordination, the offense ranked eighth in points per game at 25.4 and seventh in rushing yards league-wide, securing another NFC playoff appearance before a Wild Card exit.

Cleveland Browns head coach

On January 13, 2020, the hired Kevin Stefanski as their 18th full-time head coach, selecting him after his successful tenure as for the Minnesota Vikings, where he had implemented a balanced, efficient scheme that revitalized the team's offense. Stefanski's arrival marked a shift toward a run-heavy, relationship-driven approach, drawing from his Vikings experience to establish a foundational offensive identity for the Browns centered on development and complementary football. In his debut 2020 season, Stefanski guided the Browns to an 11-5 regular-season record amid the challenges of COVID-19 protocols, including virtual offseasons and multiple facility closures, while fostering the growth of quarterback Baker Mayfield, who threw for over 3,700 yards and 26 touchdowns in a more structured system. The team secured its first playoff appearance since 2002 and a wild-card victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers—the franchise's first postseason win in 18 years—with Stefanski earning Associated Press (AP) and Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) Coach of the Year honors for his leadership through adversity. The following year, 2021, saw an 8-9 finish with a deliberate emphasis on the run game, where running back Nick Chubb amassed 1,016 yards despite injuries, though the team missed the playoffs amid offensive inconsistencies. In 2022, the Browns ended 7-10, impacted by the midseason acquisition and subsequent 11-game suspension of quarterback Deshaun Watson for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, which disrupted offensive continuity and quarterback stability. Stefanski rebounded in 2023 with an 11-6 record, navigating a rash of injuries—including season-ending ailments to key players—that forced the use of four different starting , yet still clinching a playoff spot and a wild-card win over the Houston Texans; he captured AP Coach of the Year on a tiebreaker over Texans coach . The 2024 campaign faltered to a 3-14 mark, hampered by offensive struggles and a quarterback carousel triggered by Watson's midseason Achilles injury in Week 7, with subsequent starts by (Weeks 8-16), (Week 17), and (Week 18) amid broader lineup instability. The 2025 season concluded with a 5-12 record, continuing to rely on defensive strengths amid ongoing offensive challenges. Following the season, the Browns fired Stefanski on January 5, 2026. Subsequently, Stefanski interviewed with several teams for head coaching vacancies, including the New York Giants on January 7, 2026, the Las Vegas Raiders on January 8, 2026, the Tennessee Titans on January 10, 2026, and the Atlanta Falcons on January 11, 2026, where Matt Ryan, newly appointed as Falcons President of Football on January 10, 2026, was involved in the team's coaching search efforts. Throughout his tenure, Stefanski has emphasized relationship-based to build trust and , adapting play-calling to personnel changes and demonstrating resilience against injuries by leveraging depth and scheme flexibility to sustain competitiveness.

Coaching record and achievements

Regular season and postseason records

Kevin Stefanski served as head coach of the from 2020 to 2025, compiling a regular season record of 45–56 (.446). He was relieved of his duties on January 4, 2026.
YearTeamGamesWinsLossesWin %
2020CLE16115.688
2021CLE1789.471
2022CLE17710.412
2023CLE17116.647
2024CLE17314.176
2025CLE17512.294
TotalCLE1014556.446
Record as of the end of the 2025 season. Stefanski's teams held a home record of 30–21 (.588) and an away record of 15–35 (.300) through the 2025 season. Stefanski has a postseason record of 1–2 (.333).
YearRoundOpponentResult
2020Wild CardW 48–37 (Stefanski absent due to ; coached by interim )
2020DivisionalL 17–22
2023Wild CardHouston TexansL 14–45
In 2024, the Browns ranked 29th in the NFL in rushing yards per game (94.6).

Awards and honors

In 2020, Stefanski was named the (AP) Coach of the Year after receiving 25 first-place votes, representing half of the ballots from a panel of 50 media members, marking the first such honor for a Browns head coach since in 1976. He also earned the (PFWA) Coach of the Year award that year, recognizing his leadership in guiding the Browns to an 11-5 record and their first playoff appearance since 2002 despite a challenging COVID-19-affected offseason. Stefanski won the AP NFL Coach of the Year award again in 2023, accumulating 165 points in voting—tied with Texans coach but prevailing on a tiebreaker with 21 first-place votes to Ryans's 20—becoming just the 13th in history to secure multiple such honors and the second-fastest to do so in his first four seasons. This achievement underscored his adaptability amid significant quarterback instability and injuries, as the Browns reached the with an 11-6 record using four different starting s. On June 5, 2024, Stefanski signed a extension with . Under Stefanski, the Browns achieved 11-win seasons in both 2020 and 2023, becoming only the second in franchise history with multiple such seasons, joining Hall of Famer (five times, 1946–1953).

Personal life

Marriage and family

Kevin Stefanski married Michelle McCarthy, a native, in July 2007 while working as an assistant coach for the . The couple has three children: sons Will and Gabe, and daughter Juliette, all born during Stefanski's tenure with the . In May 2020, following Stefanski's hiring as head coach of the , the family relocated from to a suburb on Cleveland's west side, an 11-hour drive that marked a significant transition for the school-age children. To help ease the move, Stefanski promised his kids a family dog and a trip to Disney World as incentives for embracing the change. Michelle Stefanski has provided steadfast support during her husband's career shifts, including managing the of the relocation with their children. The family emphasizes sports involvement as a core tradition, with the children engaging in athletic activities that mirror their father's profession, helping to balance the intense demands of coaching.

Faith and community involvement

Kevin Stefanski is a practicing Catholic whose faith has served as a central guiding force throughout his life and career. He has described Catholicism as integral to his identity since his youth, shaping his approach to challenges and successes. During his keynote address at the Franciscan University of Steubenville's 56th Annual Baron Club Awards Dinner in April 2025, Stefanski reflected on his journey as an , the lessons he has learned, and the personal stories that illustrate how his Catholic faith has directed his path, including its role in fostering resilience and meaningful relationships. He has also publicly encouraged support for Catholic initiatives, such as in a 2020 video message promoting the #weGiveCatholic campaign, where he emphasized the importance of faith-based giving. Stefanski's faith extends into his community involvement, particularly through efforts to support youth in , reflecting the values instilled in his own upbringing. In April 2024, he and his family launched The Keepers Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing resources and opportunities for underprivileged children, with a focus on and development programs. The foundation hosted its inaugural youth football camp in June 2024 and the second annual Under the Lights Youth Football Camp at Huntington Bank Field in May 2025, bringing together local fifth- through eighth-grade participants for skill-building and team-building activities. These initiatives underscore Stefanski's commitment to community engagement in , where he has participated in events promoting and positive influences among young people, such as visits to local recreation centers. The principles of his influence Stefanski's philosophy by emphasizing the building of strong relationships and drawing on spiritual resilience to navigate adversity. In public discussions, he has connected these elements to his professional life, noting how helps prioritize connections with players and staff amid the demands of the . His family's values align closely with these faith-based tenets, serving as a personal extension of his spiritual commitments. Stefanski's long-term dedication to is evident in his multi-year contract extension signed in June 2024, which signals a continued in the community and the Browns organization. He maintains a low-profile free of major controversies, with interests including family time away from football.

References

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