Cleveland Browns: Minnesota players still fond of Kevin Stefanski
Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski is headed to his old home in Week 4 where Cleveland will face off against the Vikings in a homecoming game for the coach.
The Cleveland Browns will travel to Minnesota on Sunday for a showdown with the Vikings. There are a few interesting storylines heading into the weekend, one of which is Stefanski’s return to Minnesota and U.S. Bank Stadium.
Stefanski was with the Vikings organization for a total of 14 seasons. In 2006, he joined Minnesota’s coaching staff and was hired as an assistant coach for former Vikings head coach Brad Childress.
From 2009-2013 Stefanski served as the team’s assistant quarterbacks coach. In 2014, he then served as the tight ends coach. For one season, in 2016, Stefanski then was the running backs coach.
In 2017, Stefanski was named the team’s quarterbacks coach. That season, Stefanski helped Case Keenum rack up 3,547 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions while leading the Vikings to a 13-3 regular-season record. Minnesota then went on to beat the New Orleans Saints in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Their season finally came to an end in the NFL Championship where the Philadelphia Eagles dominated the Vikings 38-7.
After a stellar season by the Vikings, in 2018, the team fired first-year offensive coordinator John DeFilippo in December. Stefanski then took over that role for three games, finishing the campaign.
Following this season, the Browns had decided to name Freddie Kitchens the team’s next head coach. Stefanski was one of the finalists in the race, however, he would then return to Minnesota to be their full-time offensive coordinator.
Who knew that only one year later, Stefanski would be named the next Browns head coach and the rest is history. After being hired by the team, several Vikings players talked very highly of Stefanski including running back Dalvin Cook, quarterback Kirk Cousins, and now former tight end Kyle Rudolph.
Cook said, “Cleveland got a great one and their organization will benefit from his leadership.” Cousins explained, “The Browns got a great head coach in Kevin. He is a smart football mind, a strong communicator, and he will lead their organization well.” Finally, Rudolph stated that Stefanski “[He] was different. The way he prepared each week and helped me prepare was top-notch. The command he had over our room and the respect I had for him was second to none.”
It’s now safe to say that they were not overacting. In Stefanski’s first season with the Browns, he led them to the playoffs and beat the Steelers in the first round. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, he also earned Coach of the Year honors… all in his first season ever as a head coach.
Star back Dalvin Cook, who is currently listed as questionable for this weekend’s game, shared some generous words about Stefanski during the week.
Vikings Dalvin Cook on Kevin Stefanski:
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) September 29, 2021
"He let us be us...he knows how to deal with his players. Knows how to communicate with his players. Knows how to turn us loose during the game....you see the way he's doing that on the #Browns, turning those guys loose and having fun."
Now, the 1-2 Vikings will look to spoil Stefanski’s homecoming on Sunday. Don’t let their record fool you though.
Next. Scouting Ahead: Cleveland Browns Week 4 opponent, Minnesota Vikings. dark
The Vikings offense has been well above average and the Browns’ defense will have their hands full.