Kevin Stefanski to call Browns' offensive plays in 2025

Field Level Media|published: Thu 23rd January, 12:17 2025

Dec 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski during the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Thursday that he will resume calling the offensive plays in 2025.

Stefanski relinquished play-calling duties to then-offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey after a 1-6 start this season.

He made the announcement during an introductory press conference for new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.

"I'm going to call plays, and I reserve the right to change my mind," said Stefanski, a two-time NFL Coach of the Year.

Last week, the Browns promoted Rees from tight ends coach and pass game specialist to the OC role.

"Tommy has an incredible football mind," Stefanski said last week. "He is extremely bright and has been around the game his entire life."

Dorsey was fired on Jan. 5 after the Browns finished last in points scored (258) during a 3-14 season.

The Browns' offense, hampered by rotating quarterbacks and another season-ending injury to running back Nick Chubb, mustered only an NFL-worst 15.2 points per game.

Stefanski settled the play-caller question, but the signal-caller situation still looms large entering an offseason that includes holding the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Deshaun Watson is coming off a second Achilles surgery and has two years remaining on a five-year, $230 million contract. He carries cap hits of $72.9 million in 2025 and 2026. He could miss most, if not all, of the upcoming season.

Among other quarterbacks on the roster, only Dorian Thompson-Robinson is under contract for 2025. Jameis Winston is an unrestricted free agent, and Bailey Zappe is a restricted free agent.

--Field Level Media