LAS VEGAS — A year ago at this time, many would have seen him as being on the hot seat.
Now, he is viewed throughout the league as one of the best at his craft.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has been named NFL Coach of the Year by the Associated Press for the second time in his career. The accolade was bestowed upon him at Thursday's NFL Honors in Las Vegas, although Stefanski was not there to accept it in person (and presenter Justin Hartley actually misspoke and referred to him as "Steven Stefanski").
Coming off back-to-back losing seasons and a shakeup of his staff, Stefanski entered 2023 with his back against the wall, his job potentially on the line if Cleveland did not show marked improvement. Even after an impressive 6-3 start, things looked bleak thanks to season-ending injuries to quarterback Deshaun Watson and running back Nick Chubb, among a slew of other players.
Yet through it all, Stefanski kept the team together, and also earned praise for his play-calling on offense. With veteran QB Joe Flacco leading the way, the Browns rallied to finish the year 11-6 and earn just their third postseason berth since returning to the league in 1999.
Sadly, Cleveland's ride would end with a 45-14 loss to the Houston Texans in the wild-card round, and the offseason is already well underway with more changes to Stefanski's stable of assistants. Still, the team will be remembered fondly for seemingly defying all odds, and there is talk Stefanski will soon sign a contract extension.
Stefanski is one of only 13 men to win the AP Coach of the Year Award more than once, with Forrest Gregg also being the only Browns coach to take home the honor at all in 1976. Paul Brown, Sam Rutigliano, and Marty Schottenheimer earned COY from other outlets, although the Associated Press' trophy is considered to be the most prestigious.
The Browns swept all their NFL Honors categories on Thursday, with Flacco being named Comeback Player of the Year, Jim Schwartz taking home Assistant Coach of the Year, and Myles Garrett becoming the first player in team history to be named AP Defensive Player of the Year.