Is Kevin Stefanski in the hot seat?

The Browns’ record has gotten worse in each of Kevin Stefanski‘s three seasons at the helm. However, Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com doesn’t believe the head coach is on the hot seat heading into the 2023 campaign.

Stefanski’s apparent job security is partly due to the Browns not “thinking negatively,” as Cabot notes. The organization has high hopes for the 2023 campaign, and they believe their head coach can get the most out of a roster that should feature a full season from QB Deshaun Watson. With other stars like Myles Garrett, Nick Chubb, and Amari Cooper, Cabot opines that this is the most talented roster the coach has had during his Cleveland tenure.

It sounds like the front office is willing to write off the head coach’s 2022 campaign thanks to an uncertain QB depth chart, and Stefanski was always going to be afforded a longer leash thanks to a 2020 campaign where Cleveland won 11 regular season games and another playoff contest. As a result, there isn’t any clear ultimatum heading into next year.

Of course, if the Browns fall short of expectations, then “all things will be taken into account.” So, while Stefanski isn’t on the hot seat entering the season, he’ll surely be facing some calls for his job if the Browns don’t take a step forward in 2023.

More notes out of Cleveland…

• Speaking of Watson, the player has been a “low-maintenance QB,” according to Terry Pluto of Cleveland.com. Watson has reportedly been building a strong relationship with Stefanski and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, with the trio exchanging ideas on how the offense will operate. Pluto believes the grouping wasn’t able to establish the same rapport last year with Watson’s impending suspension and the coaching staff’s need to temporarily cater the offense to the pocket-passing Jacoby Brissett.
• Defensive end Za’Darius Smith was acquired from the Vikings last month, and he may see a different role in Cleveland. Cabot writes that the veteran defensive lineman could play some defensive tackle opposite Dalvin Tomlinson. This formation would allow the Browns to play their best four defensive linemen in Smith, Tomlinson, Garrett, and Ogbo Okoronkwo. Of course, Smith will also be used on the edge, in which case 2020 third-round pick Jordan Elliott could step up as the third DT on the depth chart.
• Perrion Winfrey’s case for misdemeanor assault was dismissed earlier this month following completion of a pretrial conversion program, per Cabot. The 2022 fourth-round pick will be competing for one of those aforementioned interior DL roles. Winfrey got into 13 games as a rookie, compiling 22 tackles and 0.5 sacks.
• We heard earlier today that the Browns are happy with their current grouping of wide receivers, including newcomer Elijah Moore. As a result, the organization isn’t expected to pursue DeAndre Hopkins and reunite the receiver with his former quarterback.