Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kevin Stefanski

How Kevin Stefanski built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Kevin Stefanski is the head coach of the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. He previously served as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings from 2006-2019. Hired as the Browns' head coach in 2020, Stefanski led the team to their first playoff appearance since 2002, earning him NFL Coach of the Year honors. He secured a second playoff appearance for the Browns in 2023, and earned a second NFL Coach of the Year award.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1999: Browns Best Record Since 1999 Return

In 2020, the Browns had their best record since their 1999 return as an expansion team.

2002: Browns First Playoff Appearance Since 2002

In 2020, Kevin Stefanski led the Cleveland Browns to their first playoff appearance since 2002.

2002: Clinched Browns First Playoff Berth Since 2002

In 2020, Kevin Stefanski led the Cleveland Browns to their first playoff berth since 2002.

2006: Joins Minnesota Vikings as Assistant Coach

In 2006, Kevin Stefanski began his NFL career as an assistant coach for the Minnesota Vikings.

2006: Joins Minnesota Vikings Coaching Staff

In 2006, Kevin Stefanski joined the Minnesota Vikings as an assistant coach under then-head coach Brad Childress.

2007: Last Winning Season

In 2020, Kevin Stefanski became the first Browns head coach since Romeo Crennel in 2007 to lead the franchise to a winning season.

2009: Promoted to Assistant Quarterbacks Coach

In 2009, Kevin Stefanski was promoted to assistant quarterbacks' coach for the Minnesota Vikings.

2013: Continues as Assistant Quarterbacks Coach

In 2013, Kevin Stefanski continued his role as assistant quarterbacks coach, navigating through coaching changes at the Minnesota Vikings.

2014: Coached the Tight Ends

In 2014, Kevin Stefanski coached the tight ends for the Minnesota Vikings.

2015: Continued Coaching Tight Ends

In 2015, Kevin Stefanski continued his role coaching the tight ends for the Minnesota Vikings.

2016: Coached the Running Backs

In 2016, Kevin Stefanski coached the running backs for the Minnesota Vikings.

2017: Vikings Deny Giants Request to Interview Stefanski

After the 2017 season, the New York Giants requested to interview and potentially hire Kevin Stefanski as their new offensive coordinator, but the Minnesota Vikings denied the request.

2017: Promoted to Vikings Quarterbacks Coach

In 2017, Kevin Stefanski was promoted to coach the Vikings quarterbacks, helping the team become the NFL's 10th-highest scoring offense. Quarterback Case Keenum had his best season under Stefanski, throwing 22 touchdown passes and only seven interceptions.

January 9, 2019: Promoted to Full-Time Offensive Coordinator

On January 9, 2019, Kevin Stefanski was promoted to full-time offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings.

2019: Leaves Vikings after 13 Seasons

In 2019, Kevin Stefanski concluded his 13-season tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, where he served as an assistant coach and, for his final two seasons, as the offensive coordinator.

January 13, 2020: Signed as Head Coach of the Cleveland Browns

On January 13, 2020, Kevin Stefanski signed a five-year contract to become the 18th head coach of the Cleveland Browns.

September 13, 2020: Head Coaching Debut Loss

On September 13, 2020, Kevin Stefanski lost his head coaching debut with the Cleveland Browns to the Baltimore Ravens, marking the 16th consecutive Week 1 loss for the Browns.

2020: Becomes Head Coach of the Cleveland Browns

In 2020, Kevin Stefanski became the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, marking a new chapter in his NFL career.

2020: Browns Win over Tennessee Titans

On December 6, 2020, Stefanski secured his ninth win of the season with a 41-35 victory over the Tennessee Titans, marking the first winning season for the Browns since 2007.

2023: Stefanski Named Coach of the Year

During the 2023 Browns season, Stefanski led the team to a second winning season (11–6) along with another playoff appearance. He again was named Associated Press Coach of the Year.