Cleveland Browns Next Head Coach Betting Odds and Favorites After the Firing of Kevin Stefanski

Winning two Coach of the Years awards in Cleveland couldn’t save Kevin Stefanski from the axe. The Browns fired him on Monday following a dismal 5-12 campaign in 2025, which compounded their struggles to an 8-26 record over the last two years, including a 3-14 finish in 2024. Despite leading the team to playoff appearances in his inaugural 2020 season and again in 2023, plus a wild-card victory over the Steelers in 2020, the franchise finished below .500 in four of his six years, with the recent seasons marking a sharp decline. The exit perpetuates the coaching search, as Cleveland continues its quest for a stable coach-quarterback tandem to make this team a sustained winner.

GM Andrew Berry on Coach Stefanski’s impact on the organization and the team's focus on the steps ahead pic.twitter.com/RrvDYhz7bl
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) January 5, 2026

Stefanski appeared poised to be that leader early on, but the franchise’s chronic quarterback woes ultimately undermined him. The disastrous 2022 trade for Deshaun Watson, who signed a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract, set the team back. Watson managed just 19 starts before suffering a potentially career-ending Achilles tear last year, followed by a re-tear this season. Stefanski navigated a 7-10 record in 2022 and orchestrated an unexpected 11-6 playoff run in 2023 with Joe Flacco, but the ensuing years proved horrible, featuring rotations of Watson, Jameis Winston, Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders.

Now that he’s fired who has the top odds to be the next head coach for the Browns? Let’s find out.

Who Has the Top Odds To Be the Next Head Coach of the Cleveland Browns?

Following Kevin Stefanski’s firing on January 5, 2026, after a 5-12 season, the Browns’ head coaching search- led by GM Andrew Berry- has generated early speculation. Here are the tops odds for the Browns’ next head coaching hire, according to bookies.com.

Coach	Current Position	Percentage Change	Odds
Klint Kubiak	Seahawks Offensive Coordinator	20.0%	+400
Mike McDaniel	Dolphins Head Coach	16.7%	+500
Kliff Kingsbury	Commanders Offensive Coordinator	16.7%	+500
Joe Brady	Bills Offensive Coordinator	14.3%	+600
Frank Smith	Dolphins Offensive Coordinator	12.5%	+700

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Who May Replace Kevin Stefanski for the Cleveland Browns?

Klint Kubiak, the 38-year old offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, has emerged as a prominent candidate in Browns’ head coaching search. His Seahawks offense has thrived in 2025, ranking top-10 in key categories like yards per play and points per drive, largely due to his successful resuscitation of quarterback Sam Darnold’s career. This quarterback development skill is particularly appealing to the Browns, who are navigating uncertainty with rookie Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and lingering Deshaun Watson issues.

Mike McDaniel, the 42-year-old Miami Dolphins head coach, emerges as a compelling candidate for the Cleveland Browns vacancy if Miami part ways. His Shanahan-tree offensive genius, honed as 49ers OC and Dolphins HC, delivers explosive, innovative schemes ideal for developing QB Shedeur Sanders, Prior Browns ties (2014 WR coach) also give familiarity, while his proven play-calling and quarterback elevation skills address Cleveland’s offensive woes.

Kliff Kingsbury is currently the Washington Commanders offensive coordinator, who is also a strong contender for the Browns’ head coaching job. His high-octane Air Raid offense has transformed sophomore QB Jayden Daniels into a star in 2025, showcasing elite quarterback development skills critical for Cleveland’s Shedeur Sanders. Prior head coaching experience with the Cardinals (28-37-1) could add a veteran perspective, while innovative play-calling could revitalize the Browns’ attack.

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Joe Brady, the 36-year-old Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator, stands out as a top candidate for the Browns‘ head coaching vacancy. His innovative schemes have kept Buffalo’s offense top-10 in scoring and yards despite roster turnover, while elevating Josh Allen to MVP levels and building elite run game. Proven QB development, from Joe Burrow’s historic LSU season to Allen’s MVP campaign, makes him ideal for guiding rookie Shedeur Sanders.

Frank Smith, the 44-year old Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator, is a rising candidate for the Browns’ head coaching vacancy. His Shanahan-McDaniel driven scheme has fueled one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses, emphasizing run-game foundation and innovative passing concepts. Proven expertise in offensive line and tight ends coaching, plus quarterback development under Mike McDaniels, suits Clevelands’ need to nurture rookie Shedeur Sanders.

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Eric Divakaran

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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.