On November 6, 1995, the owner of the Cleveland Browns Art Modell announced that the Browns franchise would be relocated to Baltimore, Maryland. This shocked and confused fans. Everybody was amazed at the disregard for Clevelands rich football history.  Cleveland Browns fans went without a team for nearly 4 years before the franchise was reinstated. But after all of that ruckus, the team never seemed to find success.

But this year, with a new head coach, Kevin Stefanski, the Browns have reached their most successful record in 26 years and have won their first playoff game since 1994. The Cleveland Browns are an extremely promising young team, and it begins with the leadership and culture that has been created by Kevin Stefanski. 

Last year, the Browns finished 6-10 with nearly the exact roster they have in place now. However, Kevin Stefanski’s offense has shown a massive improvement compared to last year. The Browns now have the 3rd best rushing attack and 2 running backs with over 1,000 total yards. 

Not only has Kevin Stefanski transformed the run game, but he has also tended to the development of Heisman winner Baker Mayfield. Since week 8, the young quarterback has only thrown one interception, the lowest of any quarterback. 

Recently, the Browns won their first playoff game since 1994 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However because Stefanski recently contracted COVID-19, he watched the game from his basement in what he describes as “a strange feeling.” 

Despite not being on the sideline, Stefanski’s leadership throughout the week leading up to the game led to the Browns scoring the most offensive points in 1 quarter in NFL playoff history (28). In a blowout against the Steelers, he said “I’m so very, very proud of the effort.” 

After the Browns went 6-10 and were aimless as a franchise, Kevin Stefanski has changed the culture in Cleveland. The Browns won their first playoff game since 1994 and after years of mediocrity and putrid football play, Cleveland is back. 

And that’s why Kevin Stefanski deserves the Coach of the Year award.