There are usually at least five NFL head coaches fired every year. With that said, fans should expect to see a few staff changes made in the coming days.
During an appearance on Kevin Clark’s “This is Football” podcast, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler said the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders have already done “preliminary research” for coaching changes. That doesn’t sound good for Pete Carroll and Kevin Stefanski.
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“Cleveland, Las Vegas, those are two places I see as having done their preliminary research for a potential move,” Fowler said. “Doesn’t mean they’re locked into doing it or they’ve decided yet. But those are certainly on my radar.”
Carroll was brought to Las Vegas to establish a winning culture. Clearly, that hasn’t worked. The Raiders are 2-14 heading into their regular-season finale. On the bright side, they’re in prime position to draft Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
As for the Browns, they’re 4-12 entering their Week 18 showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals. Whether fans want to hear it or not, their quarterback situation hasn’t been ideal.
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Oct 12, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images© Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Stefanski should land on his feet.
A little over a week ago, Fowler reported that Stefanski will be a “prime candidate” if he’s fired by the Browns.
“Kevin Stefanski’s future comes up often in my conversations with people in the league due to the Browns’ 6-23 record the past two seasons,” Fowler wrote. “Another reason his name comes up: Several executives and coaches I’ve spoken to believe he’d be a prime candidate for a head coaching job elsewhere should Cleveland move on after the season.”
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Stefanski led the Browns to the playoffs in 2020 and 2023. Although his overall record (44-56) in Cleveland isn’t great, he has proven that he can have success when he receives average quarterback play.
The New York Giants and Tennessee Titans would be wise to target Stefanski if he hits the open market this offseason.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Dec 31, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.