6x Pro Bowler makes feelings known on whether Kevin Stefanski has lost the Browns locker room

Last season, the Cleveland Browns made it to the playoffs despite losing starting quarterback Deshaun Watson to a shoulder injury six games into the campaign. Head coach Kevin Stefanski led the team admirably and was named the Coach of the Year for his efforts.

In 2024, Watson lasted seven games before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury, and Stefanski was tasked with repeating his heroics from the previous season. However, lightning did not strike twice.

The Browns, who were 1-6 with Watson, have won only two of their subsequent nine games since his injury. Heading into their season finale, they are 3-13, tied for the worst record in the league. They haven't fared well on offense or defense. They rank 24th in points allowed and are bottom of the table in points scored per game.

Their dismal performance has prompted questions about whether the team should blow up the roster and start a rebuild and if Stefanski is still in the players' good graces and the right man to lead the team in 2025.

Offensive guard Joel Bitonio, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, answered those queries during his media availability on Wednesday. He said:

"I don’t think we’re that far off from being a contender again... I know they’re going to have to rebuild some aspects of the roster. But I don’t think it’s far. I think Coach [Kevin Stefanski] is a good coach. I think we’re going to have a good system in place... It’s very hard when you’re losing a lot of games. But I think the standard of what he’s created is still there... I think the locker room has faith in Coach Stefanski."

Browns have reportedly made decision on Kevin Stefanski's and Deshaun Watson's futures

There were murmurs that head coach Kevin Stefanski's and quarterback Deshaun Watson's futures in Cleveland were in jeopardy after a dismal 2024 season. However, the Browns reportedly intend to run it back with the duo in 2025.

According to NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the franchise will not fire Stefanski at the end of the season. The two-time Coach of the Year will return to lead the team in 2025 despite the Browns having their worst season since they went 0-16 in 2017.

Like Kevin Stefanski, Deshaun Watson will remain with the Browns in 2025. The team restructured his deal to spread out the cap hit that his contract carries to ensure they can spend money on free agents. The team is backing the veteran, who has played only 19 games since joining the franchise in 2022, to bounce back and have a massive year next season.