Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III believes the Cleveland Browns’ Week 5 loss to the Minnesota Vikings falls squarely on head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Cleveland suffered a crushing 21-17 defeat on Sunday after the Vikings scored a go-ahead touchdown with just 25 seconds left. The Browns had led the entire game until that final drive.
Despite strong performances from their young players, Griffin III says poor coaching cost them the win.
“The Browns had a rookie QB in Dillon Gabriel making his first career start — he threw 2 TDs with no turnovers on foreign soil,” Griffin wrote on X. “Had a rookie running back rush for 110 yards. Had a defense that forced 2 turnovers and made 3 sacks. And still lost. That’s a coaching issue.”
Griffin’s criticism echoes the frustration of Browns fans, who felt Stefanski’s play-calling and clock management were to blame. Since taking over in 2020, Stefanski has compiled a 41-48 record with only two winning seasons.
Fans Demand Stefanski’s Firing
Following the loss, Cleveland fans flooded social media with calls for Stefanski to be dismissed. Many were furious over his late-game timeouts, which they say helped the Vikings conserve time for their winning drive.
“Fire Kevin Stefanski before he boards the plane,” one fan wrote. “Leave him in England. Worst clock management ever.”
Another added,
“The excuses are done! The Browns haven’t scored 20 points in nearly a year. Same offense, same problems. FIRE STEFANSKI!”
Although the Browns are off to a 1-4 start, the head coach is unlikely to be fired soon, especially after signing a contract extension in 2024.
