Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry, head coach Kevin Stefanski sign contract extensions

The team announced on Wednesday that the Cleveland Browns have secured multi-year contract extensions for head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry.

Stefanski, 42, won his second AP Coach of the Year award with the team this past season after leading the Browns to only their second playoff appearance since the 2002 campaign, both coming on his watch. Berry, 37, arrived in Cleveland in 2020, and one of his first moves was hiring Stefanski.

Owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam expressed their gratitude towards Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry for their leadership of the Cleveland Browns. “Since their hiring, both have worked relentlessly to secure wins for the team. We’re proud of their achievements, but both Kevin and Andrew believe that Browns fans are deserving of even more,” the Haslams stated on Wednesday. They further lauded their leadership skills, collaborative demeanor, and problem-solving abilities, predicting a promising future for the franchise.

The Browns have seen their most consistent success since the mid-to-late 1980s, following the arrival of Berry and Stefanski four years ago. Under their leadership, the team has achieved a 37-30 regular-season record and a 1-2 playoff record. Since the franchise’s return in 1999, half of their winning seasons have occurred during the Stefanski-Berry era, with two seasons of 11 victories each.

It’s not surprising that their extensions are happening, given that the Browns are entering this season as potential Super Bowl contenders.

“Following each season, discussions are held with the owners, Jimmy and JW Johnson, the executive VP,” Stefanski shared with reporters on Wednesday. “The fact that they’re entrusting myself and Andrew with the responsibility is significant. They’ve shown incredible support towards us, both professionally and personally. They’ve been wonderful to our families as well. I’m really looking forward to continuing to work with Andrew, as we have much to do.”

Success has long been elusive for the franchise. So has cohesion. A club long known for major changes every few years at head coach, GM and quarterback, the Browns now can enjoy rare organizational stability, even with QB Deshaun Watson entering a critical third season in Cleveland.

Stefanski, the 10th permanent head coach for the Browns since their return to Cleveland, is the first to secure a fifth season in charge during the Browns 2.0 era. Previously, the longest-serving coaches were Butch Davis (2001-2004) and Romeo Crennel (2005-2008). The last time a Browns head coach made it to a fifth season was Bill Belichick.

Berry’s maneuvers as GM have not all been successful, and how Watson performs in the future could decide his ultimate legacy. The question also remains if the Browns can clinch their first-ever Super Bowl. However, for the time being, Berry and Stefanski can relish the security they have gained through their efforts to revive the Browns’ franchise in the challenging AFC North.