CLEVELAND — Being a first-year head coach in the NFL presents a lot of problems. Doing it while being in a quarantine makes things even more difficult.
Like most Americans, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is working from his home. And right now that home happens to be in Minnesota. In a conference call with media members on Thursday Stefanski said that they had to halt their move to Cleveland because of COVID-19.
"We are like everybody else taking it one day at a time, staying safe and really staying together and listening to the advice of the public and medical officials. We are making sure we are staying home and being safe, and I hope you are doing the same," said Stefanski.
Stefanski, who spent the last 14 years as an assistant coach with the Vikings, says that going through this as a rookie head coach doesn't put him at a disadvantage.
"I think all 32 clubs are going to be playing by the same rules. Whenever we see our players and whether it is via Microsoft Surface tablet or seeing them in person, I think we will have our program ready to go and our installs ready to go. I think we are in the same boat as everybody else,” said Stefanski.
Stefanski says in his conversations with his players they have all kept a positive attitude during the quarantine. That includes quarterback Baker Mayfield.
In March the Browns added veteran QB Case Keenum, leading some to think that would add pressure to Mayfield. Stefanski clarified during Thursday's conference call that Mayfield is his starter.
“I just think I believe in Baker Mayfield. He is our starting quarterback. I think he is a young player we have all seen glimpses of being a really good player. Organizationally, we believe in Baker Mayfield," said Stefanski
The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23-25 and Stefanski said it's possible he could still be in Minnesota for the draft.
