5 coaching candidates Cleveland Browns should hire to replace Freddie Kitchens

2. Kevin Stefanski

The man who was supposedly the runner-up to Freddie Kitchens a season ago is still on the market. His name is Kevin Stefanski and here’s why he may be a candidate: His stock has only gone up since the Browns passed on him to go with Kitchens.

Stefanski has worked wizardry in Minnesota, making Kirk Cousins look like he deserves every cent of the massive contract the Vikings gave him as Minnesota could be real contenders in the NFC playoff picture.

Stefanski, like Kitchens, got the opportunity to be the offensive coordinator back in 2018 following a shakeup in their respective organizations. Stefanski returned to the Vikings after being passed over by John Dorsey.

His names on this list because he was reportedly the favorite candidate of Browns’ Chief Strategy Officer Paul DePodesta. The “Moneyball” guru still works for the Browns and it’s rumored he’s seeking to have his voice heard more in the front office.

With Buffalo cruising into the NFL Playoffs, many a Browns pundit has pointed out how DePodesta also favored Sean McDermott ahead of the 2016 season, when ownership went with Hue Jackson, instead.

Will DePodesta be given his shot to get his guy? More will have to come out about the way the Browns are executing their search to know for sure. In the past, the team has leaned on collaborative efforts.

Ultimately, the owner hires the coach, though. Will Jimmy and Dee Haslam trust their analytics guy?