Less than six months ago, coach Kevin Stefanski had a strong show of support from Cleveland Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam despite the organization attempting to rebound from a 3-14 campaign during the 2024 season.

But Jimmy Haslam said another three-win season wouldn’t cut it.

“We’ve got to do better. I think we’ll know what better looks like,” Haslam said.

Ultimately, a 5-12 record in 2025 wasn’t better. The Browns on Monday announced the firing of Stefanski, who guided Cleveland the past six seasons and led the franchise to two playoff appearances while also winning two NFL Coach of the Year awards (2020 and 2023). Stefanski leaves Cleveland with a 45-56 regular-season record and a 1-2 record in the postseason.

In Monday’s statement announcing their decision to fire Stefanski, the Haslams also stated that general manager Andrew Berry would be retained and would lead the search for the team’s 11th head coach since 1999.

What’s next for the Browns as they enter an offseason stocked with two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL draft and a quarterback situation that is unsettled at best? Browns reporter Daniel Oyefusi and senior NFL insider Jeremy Fowler answer all the pressing questions in the wake of Stefanski’s firing.

What led the Browns to move on from Stefanski?

At the start of training camp in late July, the Haslams acknowledged the team would have to take its time rebuilding its foundation after a three-win finish in 2024. But in a statement announcing the firing of Stefanski, the owners said that the results over the past two seasons — a combined 8-26 record — “have not been satisfactory.”

The issues were especially prominent on offense, which has been Stefanski’s specialty. Under Stefanski, the Browns used an NFL-high 13 different starting quarterbacks, and per ESPN Research, Browns QBs under the coach have ranked bottom five in Total QBR, yards per attempt and completion percentage.

Cleveland struggled to find a consistent answer at quarterback, and its core offensive players began to age such as offensive lineman Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller and Jack Conklin, as well as tight end David Njoku and running back Nick Chubb. However, Stefanski wasn’t able to steer the unit to support an elite defense the past two seasons, both of which saw him give up playcalling duties.

Haslam on Monday said there is still work to do in rebuilding the roster — especially on offense — but he believed this year’s team was capable of winning more games. — Oyefusi

Why is Cleveland keeping general manager Andrew Berry?

Berry, 38, will not only remain in his current role, but he will lead the search for the franchise’s next head coach. The Haslams, in their statement, noted the “exciting young core to build upon,” which Berry has been responsible for building. He delivered a productive 2025 draft class and also netted Cleveland an extra first-round pick in 2026 by trading back from the second overall pick to No. 5 with the Jacksonville Jaguars on the opening night of the 2025 draft.

Haslam on Monday also referenced other personnel moves made by Berry, including the free agent signing of defensive tackle Maliek Collins, finding breakout kicker Andre Szmyt and the in-season trade for cornerback Tyson Campbell.

With Stefanski out, there is potentially a stronger spotlight on Berry, who arrived in Cleveland with Stefanski in 2020. He’ll need to continue to build on both sides of the ball and, of course, find a quarterback. — Oyefusi

Who are the potential candidates for the job?

One factor in determining the Browns’ direction is seasoned defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, whose second-ranked defense should be stout once again in 2026. The Browns could push to retain Schwartz and pair him with an offensive-minded head coach. Jimmy Haslam said Monday the organization thinks highly of Schwartz and would like to keep him in the building. Remember: Maximizing a talented 2025 draft class filled with intriguing offensive options is paramount.

So, certainly the Browns could interview the likes of Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher, a possible sleeper for the job. Some of the hottest coaching candidates are defensive coordinators, so expect candidates such as the Rams’ Chris Shula, Packers’ Jeff Hafley, Broncos’ Vance Joseph and Chargers’ Jesse Minter.

Haslam said he doesn’t have a preference on finding a coach who specializes in either offense or defense but is looking for a good leader to build a strong culture. — Fowler and Oyefusi

How likely is Stefanski to land another head coach job this offseason?

Several sources familiar with the leaguewide hiring process expect Stefanski to become a viable head coaching candidate — quite possibly among the most viable. This year’s field is the most wide open in years, without a clear-cut top target. Having head coaching experience helps. As one high-ranking NFL executive put it, two-time coach of the year recipients don’t come available very often. Doing so in Cleveland only amplifies that feat.

The Tennessee Titans and New York Giants will likely want to speak with Stefanski. They’ve had weeks to research potential candidates and anticipated Stefanski could become available. One ding on Stefanski’s résumé is his relinquishing of offensive playcalling in back-to-back years, taking the sheen off his offensive cachet. But Stefanski lacked elite offensive weapons at his disposal the past two years, to be sure, and the burdensome Deshaun Watson contract inhibited progress for the entire operation. Teams with job openings will understand all of that. — Fowler

How will the coaching change impact the Browns’ QB situation?

This is a last-place AFC North team that needs to start over at the most important position regardless of whom it hires. Perhaps Shedeur Sanders can be a bridge option in 2026? But having two first-round picks presents a unique chance to get a premier passer if the draft falls right. Expect the Browns to explore free agent options such as Daniel Jones or Malik Willis.

Watson enters the final year of his record-breaking contract. While it feels like the relationship is over, he is an option and was once the NFL passing leader. Putting him on the field again could affect the Browns’ cap savings from the insurance policy the team took out on his $230-million contract. — Fowler

Defending champions Ivory Coast became the eighth team to reach the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals as they eased past neighbours Burkina Faso 3-0 in Marrakesh on Tuesday, with Amad Diallo delivering another AFCON masterclass.

The Elephants, who were crowned champions on home soil in 2024, will now face Egypt and Mohamed Salah in a quarterfinal tie in Agadir on Saturday, as they become the first reigning AFCON champions since 2010 to win a knockout game in their title defence.

Having scored twice during the group stage, Manchester United’s Amad again opened the scoring here, adeptly lifting a finish over the Burkina Faso goalkeeper after 20 minutes, before then setting up wonderkid Yan Diomande 12 minutes later to give the Ivorians a commanding lead heading into halftime.

Burkina Faso’s attempts to get back into the contest during the second half proved to be in vain, with substitute Bazoumana Touré rounding off the victory with a third in the 87th minute.

The Elephants had the best of a lively start, with Amad’s footwork proving too much for Adamo Nagalo, who received a caution for bringing him down to stop a counter in the fifth minute, before the wideman then forced Hervé Koffi to save onto his post with a low effort minutes later.

Next it was captain Franck Kessié who failed with a pair of chances to break the deadlock, first missing his connection with a flicked cross before then sending a powerful effort over the bar, but it seemed only a matter of time before the Elephants found their range.

It came in the 20th minute, with Amad wriggling through three defenders inside the box after Evan Guessand’s dogged work to win possession, before lifting the ball calmly above Koffi into the Burkina Faso net.

VAR examined whether Aston Villa’s Guessand had committed a foul in the buildup amid Burkinabe complaints, but determined that the goal should stand, giving the Elephants first blood in this West African derby.

Burkina Faso attempted to calm the tempo of the match down in the moments after the goal, but they had no answer when an Amad run down the right couldn’t be contained by either Nagalo or Arsène Kouassi, and Diomande met his rolling cross with a rifled finish to make it 2-0 in the 32nd minute.

Before the break, Dango Ouattara hit the post with a low effort as the Stallions sought a way back into the contest, although it was Ivory Coast who went closest to adding the third goal of the game after the restart, as Guela Doué flicked an Amad free kick over the bar.

Ouattara forced a save from Yahia Fofana soon after the hour mark as Burkina Faso’s efforts intensified, but it was 19-year-old Toure — a 75th-minute replacement for Diomande — who would round off the contest, as the youngster dribbled from midway inside his own half on a counterattack before prodding home with his left past Koffi at the keeper’s near post.

The teenager also netted in the come-from-behind victory over Gabon during the group stage, and is becoming yet another breakout star at this Nations Cup.

The Ivory Coast now meet Egypt, who haven’t been eliminated in the quarterfinals since 2002, in Agadir on Jan. 10, as their title defence gathers momentum.

The Baltimore Ravens have fired veteran head coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons, the team announced on Tuesday.  

The decision comes two days after Harbaugh’s 2025 squad was unable to secure the AFC North title, losing in heartbreaking fashion to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18. 

“Following a comprehensive evaluation of the season and the overall direction of our organization, I decided to make a change at head coach,” Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said in an official statement. “Today I informed John that he has been relieved of his duties.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision, given the tremendous 18 years we have spent together and the profound respect I have for John as a coach and, most importantly, as a great man of integrity.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The Ravens also posted a statement from Harbaugh. 

“Well, I was hoping for a different kind of message on my last day here, someday, but that day has come today. It comes with disappointment certainly, but more with GRATITUDE & APPRECIATION,” Harbaugh said.

“Gratitude to the owner and organization who was willing to bring in a head coach who made his mark with Special Teams success. A difficult thing to do… and Appreciation for all the moments, all these years, that are etched into eternity. I hope a legacy built on Faith, always Fighting, always Believing.”

It was a game that looked like it would end in a miraculous comeback for the Ravens on Sunday when rookie kicker Tyler Loop lined up for a 44-yard field goal to win the division and secure the No. 4 playoff seed in the AFC.

However, Loop’s kick went hard to the right as it flew through the Pittsburgh air, and the crowd went ballistic with the Steelers winning the division instead.

There was talk about whether this could be the end to Harbaugh’s storied time in Baltimore. And while Harbaugh’s firing didn’t happen on “Black Monday” like other organizations, the Ravens are heading in a new direction for the first time since 2008.

Harbaugh quickly becomes the top head coaching candidate for teams searching to fill their own vacancies. Those teams include the New York Giants, Atlanta Falcons, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders.

BROWNS FIRE HEAD COACH KEVIN STEFANSKI AFTER SIX SEASONS

Harbaugh owned a 180-113 record and a 13-11 postseason record during his 18 seasons with the franchise. He led the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory during the 2012 season after going 10-6.

Harbaugh, the brother of Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, has the most road playoff victories in NFL history, showcasing his pedigree when the game matters most.

Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens walks off the field after a loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh Jan. 4, 2026. (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

It shouldn’t be long before reports surface that Harbaugh has head coaching interviews on his calendar, considering teams are already working to hire new coaches to solidify their seasons in 2026.

As for the Ravens, there are available coaches like Kevin Stefanski, who the Ravens are familiar with given his last six seasons in the AFC North with the Browns. Raheem Morris is also on the move after the Falcons fired him after missing the playoffs.

The 63-year-old Harbaugh’s NFL coaching career began as the special teams coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1998 after stops in college at Western Michigan, Pitt, Morehead State, Cincinnati and Indiana.

Harbaugh spent 10 seasons in Philadelphia, nine as the special teams coordinator before getting his crack at a head coaching gig with the Ravens. He went 11-5 in his inaugural season and quickly developed the franchise into a formidable force in the AFC.

Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens walks the field prior to a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium Jan. 4, 2026, Pittsburgh. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Through his 18 seasons, Harbaugh has only had a losing record three times, with his worst mark being the 2015 campaign at 5-11. The other two were 8-9 seasons in 2021 and 2025.

Harbaugh secured double-digit victories in 11 of those 18 seasons, including three straight from 2022-24.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.