The Cleveland Browns’ 2024 season has been a disaster, reflected in their disappointing 3-11 record. Despite falling far short of expectations, those most accountable for this failure—Deshaun Watson, Kevin Stefanski, and Andrew Berry—are expected to return next season, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones. This decision suggests team owner Jimmy Haslam is unwilling to take decisive action to address the team’s glaring issues.
Deshaun Watson’s poor performance prior to his second consecutive season-ending injury is a key factor in the team’s struggles. Despite being one of the league’s worst starting quarterbacks, the Browns showed no intention of benching him, opting instead to continue with a player incapable of leading a winning team.
However, the problems extend beyond Watson. Kevin Stefanski’s reputation as coach of the year from the 2020 season feels inflated, given the unique circumstances of that year, including limited fan attendance and a playoff win under acting head coach Mike Priefer. Similarly, Andrew Berry’s tenure as general manager has been marred by poor draft picks, bad contracts, and a refusal to cut ties with underperforming players. Berry often seems more focused on justifying his decisions than making necessary adjustments, further hindering the team’s progress.
Supporters of Stefanski and Berry argue they are better than their predecessors, but this is a low bar considering the Browns’ history as one of the worst-run organizations since their 1999 return. Settling for mediocrity won’t satisfy fans or lead to meaningful success. The team’s current trajectory, which includes bringing back the same leadership next season, almost guarantees another disappointing year in 2025.
The Browns need a major overhaul to genuinely compete with top teams. Without acknowledging their current process is flawed and making significant changes, the franchise remains stuck in a cycle of irrelevance, frustrating its fanbase and missing opportunities to improve.
