The Opening Drive 1/3: Kevin Stefanski's Press Conference Felt Like Goodbye
Kevin Stefanski's Friday press conference had a different tone, featuring candid responses and a comfortable openness that may suggest the end is near.
There was nothing dramatic in his words. No announcement. No visible emotion breaking through the coach-speak. And yet, listening to Kevin Stefanski on the podium Friday, it was hard to escape the feeling that this might be one of his final press conferences as head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
Stefanski sounded reflective in a way that is different than usual when talking about David Njoku. He went as far as to open up about their relationship and revealed how it has transformed over the years after a rocky beginning.
“Yeah, I think you guys have talked to Dave over the years, and he and I have a very unique relationship. He thinks I didn’t like him when I first got here, which is not true. I just told him the truth and he didn’t like that. But to watch him mature and become a leader, the energy he brings in the building, the unbelievable plays that he’s made over the years – I always think to that fourth down versus Tampa where he was banged up on – we tried to throw him a screen the play before he got tackled, twisted his leg. So, he’s got a bum leg and he goes up and makes that catch. So, I think the world of the person. Obviously disappointed for this season and the injuries, but I think very highly of the person.”
It was a bit shocking to hear the usually stoic and tight-lipped Stefanski offer up information about his personal relationship with a player and even to recall a special game moment he is fond of.
He spoke like someone who knows the conversation may be shifting from what’s next this week to what’s next, period. There was no defensiveness or sharp edge to his answers, just a calm acceptance of where things stand.
Jeff Schudel went so far as to express his personal feelings to Stefanski: “Hey Kevin, I just want to say this.” I’m not going to be in Cincinnati, and I really hope this is not the last time we get to talk to you face to face. I think you’ve had to deal with things, especially this year, that were unfair, that you had to coach a team that was, especially on offense, that was inferior to the teams that you faced. So, I don’t expect you to answer that. I just want you to know that’s how I feel.”
Waiting for a generic answer followed by a statement about focusing on doing their job on Sunday as the priority. Instead, he answered with genuine appreciation, while not fully letting go of his usual team-first tone.
“I respect that from you,” he replied directly to Schudel. “As you know and you guys know, this game is never going to be about one person, and that includes me.”
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Throughout his tenure, Stefanski has been deliberate, controlled, and professional. That didn’t change today. What changed was the freedom with which he spoke about things that he usually remains reserved about.
He took every opportunity to speak warmly about his players, especially the rookie class as a whole. However, his comments felt less like rallying cries and more like thank-you’s.
Mary Kay Cabot asked him about rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger and whether he deserves all-pro honors. Almost before she could finish, Stefanski declared,
“Yeah, name a level, Mary Kay – the answer is yes, he’s an All-Pro. He looks like the other All-Pros out there, and for him to do it as a rookie in the middle of this defense has been incredible. If it sounds like I’m stumping for him, I am. But I just have a hard time imagining there’s another rookie out there that had the impact at the level he had for the amount of games. What was his playtime percentage? I mean, it’s off the charts. He came back to playing that (New York) Jets game off of an injury that a lot of people wouldn’t have come back to play. So yes. All-Pro? Yes. Whatever else award you want to give him? Yes.”
Even the way he addressed the future was telling. There were no grand declarations about how close the team is to turning things around or building towards next season. He just spoke about how they aren’t looking behind or ahead.
“It’s not really big picture for us. It becomes small picture for us, and we zoom in on what’s in front of us. And that’s what I appreciate about this group – we’re not really looking in the rear view and we’re not looking at too far ahead down the road. It’s like ‘what’s in front of us,’ and that’s the fun part of this business, is these opportunities that we get to compete week in and week out.”
For a coach often criticized for sounding impersonal, this version of Stefanski felt relatable and authentic. Almost at peace with whatever comes next. That doesn’t mean a decision has been made, but this sure felt like he knows something.
Stefanski has credibility around the league. He has a playoff win on his résumé. He has endured circumstances that would have buried other coaches long ago. But press conferences have tells, and this one carried the unmistakable tone of someone aware that the end of the road may be approaching. If this was one of Kevin Stefanski’s final moments behind the Browns podium, it was fitting. Nothing phony, just candid thoughts, professionalism, and an unspoken understanding that his time is running out in Cleveland.
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Whatever you think of him as a coach he always seemed like a good guy. Just have to wait and see now.
man I will miss that guy.. but change is inevitable its needed and he probably knows it too