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 started his NFL coaching career with the Minnesota Vikings from 2006-2019, becoming their offensive coordinator in his final two seasons. Stefanski became the Browns' head coach in 2020, leading them to their first playoff appearance since 2002 and earning NFL Coach of the Year. He is the first Browns coach to receive the honor since 1976 and the first one following the franchise's 1999 return. Stefanski led the Browns to another playoff appearance in 2023, also winning NFL Coach of the Year for a second time.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1994: Browns First Playoff Win

In 2020, the Browns defeated the Steelers in the wild card game, which was their first playoff win since 1994.

1999: Browns Return as Expansion Team

In 2020, Kevin Stefanski became the first Browns coach to be named NFL Coach of the Year since the franchise's 1999 return as an expansion team.

1999: Franchise's Best Record Since Return

In 2020, Kevin Stefanski led the Browns to their best record since their 1999 return.

2002: Browns Playoff Appearance

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

2002: Browns Clinch Playoff Berth

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

2006: Joined Minnesota Vikings as Assistant Coach

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

2006: Joined Minnesota Vikings Coaching Staff

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

2007: Romeo Crennel Leads Browns to Winning Season

In December 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, where he served until 2013.

2013: End of Assistant Quarterbacks' Coach Role

Kevin Stefanski's role as assistant quarterbacks' coach for the Minnesota Vikings ended in 2013.

2014: Worked with Tight Ends

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

2015: Worked with Tight Ends

In 2015, Kevin Stefanski worked with the tight ends for the Minnesota Vikings.

2016: Worked with Running Backs

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

2017: Giants Interview Request Denied

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

2017: Promoted to Coach Vikings Quarterbacks

In 2017, Kevin Stefanski was promoted to coach the Vikings quarterbacks, helping the team transform into the NFL's 10th-highest scoring offense.

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: Left Vikings after 2019 Season

After serving as an assistant coach for the Minnesota Vikings since 2006, including as offensive coordinator for his final two seasons, Kevin Stefanski left the team in 2019.

January 13, 2020: Signed with 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

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

2020: Became Head Coach for Cleveland Browns

In 2020, Kevin Stefanski became the head coach for the Cleveland Browns, leading them to their first playoff appearance since 2002.

2023: Second Winning Season and Playoff Appearance

During the 2023 season, Kevin Stefanski led the Cleveland Browns to a second winning season and another playoff appearance and was named Associated Press Coach of the Year again.