Shedeur Sanders recently shared his thoughts on working with Kevin Stefanski just before the Cleveland Browns decided to move on from their head coach. Despite a difficult 5–12 season, Sanders expressed deep respect for Stefanski, noting that the two had grown to understand each other’s perspectives over the course of the year.
The relationship between the young signal-caller and the veteran coach was often a topic of discussion for fans and the media. While some outside observers questioned if their styles meshed, Sanders was quick to defend Stefanski’s leadership and play-calling.
As the Stefanski era in Cleveland comes to a close, Sanders’ reflections offer a glimpse into the locker room atmosphere during the coach’s final days. Sanders admitted he wished he could have done more personally to help the team win more games for his coach.
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“We would share different things that we would both go through,” Sanders said. “I know he wanted this win, and I know he wants every win, but I know that this one means a lot. I wish we all played as a team, and I wish we could have done more personally within this last year.”
Sanders Had A Close Relationship With Stefanski
While the Browns struggled on the field, the connection between Shedeur Sanders and Kevin Stefanski appeared to strengthen behind the scenes. Sanders noted that Stefanski gave him a real opportunity to prove himself after he was selected in the fifth round of the draft.
The duo reportedly spent a significant amount of time studying film and discussing game plans to help Sanders adapt to the speed of the professional game. This close working relationship was evident when Sanders became the first Browns quarterback in decades to win his first career start.
However, the close bond wasn’t enough to save Stefanski’s job after two disappointing seasons. As Sanders prepares for a new coaching staff, he remains vocal about the lessons he learned under Stefanski’s guidance. He believes the middle ground they found in their communication will help him as he interacts with future coaches.
Browns’ Need To Make A Decision On A QB
The firing of Kevin Stefanski has accelerated the urgency for the Browns to settle on a long-term plan at the quarterback position for 2026. Currently, the team has a crowded and expensive room that includes Shedeur Sanders, fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, and Deshaun Watson, who holds a massive guaranteed contract.
Insiders suggest that the Browns are currently preparing for Sanders to be the Week 1 starter in 2026, but this could change depending on who they hire as the next head coach. A new coaching staff will likely want a say in who leads their offense, and Sanders will have to prove himself all over again to a new regime.
Ultimately, the choice at quarterback will define the next era of Cleveland football. The team holds significant draft capital and could potentially trade one of its young passers to acquire more assets. As the 2026 offseason begins, the pressure is on the Browns’ leadership to make a definitive choice that moves the franchise away from the inconsistency of the past and toward a stable future.
Published: Jan 5, 2026 01:22 pm