Fixing the Browns Part 1: Maintaining continuity

Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski will get another year to change the tides for the Browns

With the Cleveland Browns offseason starting earlier than usual, many people have specific takes or ideas about how they would fix the team. So, I decided to try because why not?

However, it will be a three-part series.

Starting today, I will discuss how I would fix the Cleveland Browns in order for them to get back into playoff contention. Super Bowl contention can wait, the main focus is getting back into playoff contention.

The first step in this process is continuity.

Continuity matters

When it comes to professional sports, continuity is important. The cycle of firing/hiring head coaches and general manager after one or two seasons brings instability to a franchise which leads to incompetence and that’s a whole different story. For as long as I’ve been watching football (mainly the Cleveland Browns) the team has been incompetent. I don’t believe in firing the GM/HC combo unless it is a valid reason. Firing Andrew Berry/Kevin Stefanski never was an option, nor should it have been considered. Believe it or not, those two have accomplished a lot more than what Cleveland has had prior to hiring those two (truth hurts) so keeping those two are a start.

Why keeping GM Andrew Berry was the right decision

I understand why some have resentful feelings towards general manager Andrew Berry, but Berry is not a bad general manager even if he hasn’t been a great one. Yes, we all know about the Deshaun Watson trade, so there is no need to bring it up.

However, we shouldn’t ignore the good things Berry has done here. Controversial, I know. When it comes to free agents, Berry has had his whiffs but he has also made some good moves as well. People will nitpick Berry’s moves but praise previous general manager John Dorsey. If you look at Berry’s track record in terms of adding veterans, he’s made some good moves:

• traded for wide receiver Amari Cooper (Currently in Buffalo with the Buffalo Bills)
• traded for and extended wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (had his 1st 1,000 yard receiving season)
• traded for edge rusher Za’Darius Smith (currently in Detroit with the Detroit Lions)
• signed edge rusher Ogbo Okoronkwo, defensive tackle Shelby Harris, offensive tackle Jack Conklin, defensive tackle Maurice Hurst and Dalvin Tomlinson

I could go further but those are the names that stood out. As far as his drafting history, it’s not as bad as people suggest either. For whatever the case may be, the notion that Andrew Berry’s draft classes are below average is simply untrue.

Did Berry miss on picks? Sure but almost 31 other GM’s miss as well but for some reason Berry missing on specific players are more scrutinized. If you compare Berry’s draft class to John Dorsey’s draft class when he was here, Berry’s class is better and it’s not close. Outside of drafting cornerback Denzel Ward and running back Nick Chubb, Dorsey’s draft class is underwhelming given the number of top picks he had. Could Berry improve in terms of his drafting and player evaluation process? Sure. But he’s drafted solid contributors and you are lying to yourself if you think otherwise.

As far as roster construction goes, Berry has done well in that department. If the team has a pressing need on the roster, it’s addressed. Does it always work out? No, but most of the time the needs are addressed. If you want to maintain stability, keeping your general manager is a start and the Cleveland Browns were right for keeping Andrew Berry.

Why Keeping HC Kevin Stefanski was the right decision

Controversial to some, but not controversial to many. Browns Kevin Stefanski is a good coach. Granted, Cleveland has had their fair share of coaches that have come through since they have moved back but Stefanski is probably the best of the bunch (which isn’t saying much but still).

Since being hired by the Browns in 2020, Cleveland has had two winning seasons and made the playoffs twice during his tenure. But for some reason, a small minority want Stefanski to be fired.

Yes, the Browns going 3-14 this season falls on the head coach but firing him wouldn’t solve anything. Instead, it would create more issues and problems. Apart of having stability at the general manager position, it’s important to have stability at the coaching position. ESPN Cleveland beat writer Daniel Oyefusi outlined the 2024 season and the struggles the team went through this season but two things stood out.

Two key parts that stood out is how Stefanski opened up to the team and how he navigated throughout a difficult season. Stefanski didn’t win coach of the year twice by accident. Considering how the team won 11 games the season prior despite multiple injuries speaks to the testament of how good he is. Is he elite? No, but he’s in that tier of coaches that would have immediate suitors if he were to be let go.

The players respect Stefanski and they play for him (contrary to what others might say). Are there things Stefanski can work on? Yes. No coach is perfect and Stefanski shouldn’t pretend to be someone he’s not.

Stefanski hasn’t had a quarterback he truly meshes with since he’s been in Cleveland. Him and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield didn’t see eye to eye after a promising start in 2020, he tried to make it work with Deshaun Watson but it never materialized. Having a quarterback he meshes with could work for him and make life easier for him.

Stefanski might not be perfect but he’s good for Cleveland and Cleveland should appreciate him.

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Do you think the Browns made the right decision to value continuity with Berry and Stefanski?