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The Cleveland Browns are moving forward with a clear separation between their front office and coaching evaluations after a 5-12 season led to the dismissal of head coach Kevin Stefanski.
While the disappointing record forced organizational change on the sideline, Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry will remain in his role and is being entrusted with shaping the franchise's next phase, a decision that could carry long-term significance for quarterback Shedeur Sanders and the rest of Cleveland's rookie class.
Managing and Principal Partner Jimmy Haslam confirmed that the Browns will begin their search for a new head coach, with Berry leading the process. Ownership and other key members of the organization will be involved, but Haslam made it clear that Berry has the confidence of the franchise despite the team's struggles in 2025.
Some major moves helped Berry keep his job
Haslam pointed to several moves Berry made over the past year as evidence of why continuity in the front office matters. During free agency, Andrew signed defensive tackle Maliek Collins to bolster the interior of the defensive line.
Shortly before the 2025 NFL Draft, Berry also completed a trade that added valuable draft capital in both 2025 and 2026, giving the Browns added flexibility for roster construction moving forward. Most importantly, Haslam emphasized the impact of the 2025 draft class, which included multiple rookies who stepped into starting roles from Week 1 and produced immediately.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger was singled out as a potential NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate, but Haslam stressed that the evaluation goes beyond on-field production. According to Haslam, the organization believes the rookies drafted this year are not only talented players but also strong cultural fits who can form the foundation of the franchise.
Shedeur's place is on the right track
That belief directly affects the outlook for Shedeur Sanders, who was selected by Berry and viewed as part of the Browns' long-term plan at quarterback. With the front office intact and committed to developing its young core, Sanders enters the offseason with stability above him, even as the team undergoes a coaching transition.
The Browns' decision to retain Berry signals a commitment to a longer-term vision rather than a full reset. While the 5-12 record made changes unavoidable, ownership appears convinced that the roster-building process is on the right track.
As Cleveland searches for its next head coach, the expectation is that the new staff will be tasked with maximizing a roster built around a promising group of rookies, led by Sanders, who the Browns believe can help drive a turnaround in the seasons ahead.