Browns' Future in Flux: Andrew Berry's Stay, Mike McDaniel's Potential Arrival
By Sam Robinson (https://www.profootballrumors.com/author/sam-robinson) | January 2, 2026
Amidst the speculation of the Browns' potential departure from Kevin Stefanski, Andrew Berry remains a stable figure, with no clear signs of his job being at risk. As the team wraps up another disappointing season, the organization shows no inclination to dismiss their General Manager.
Despite the Browns' poor performance over the past two seasons, Berry is set to continue his role for a seventh year, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano. Berry's confidence in his position is evident, as he has been operating under the assumption of a return, Fowler notes. Graziano adds that he has received no indication of any impending GM change in Cleveland.
A November report hinted at the possibility of a major shake-up, but if the Berry-Stefanski partnership were to dissolve, Berry's position would likely remain secure. Ownership meddling has also been a recurring rumor during Berry's tenure, reminiscent of Jimmy Haslam's early years in charge, though the owner has avoided impulsive firings in recent years.
Berry and Stefanski have been in place since 2020, and both received contract extensions before the 2024 season. However, some argue that Berry bears more responsibility for the Browns' current situation than Stefanski. The head coach's two Coach of the Year awards and successful offense with multiple quarterbacks stand in contrast to the Watson contract debacle, which has dominated the regime's tenure.
In 2022, Haslam revealed that Berry proposed the fully guaranteed Watson contract, a decision that has proven costly. While Haslam has not retracted this statement, he did acknowledge an organizational mistake regarding Watson this offseason. Berry also confirmed that the Browns' leadership was aligned on the controversial trade last year.
The Watson contract, now veering into the MLB/NBA sunk-cost trap, has led to massive dead money, forcing the Browns to retain him in 2026. Berry's role in the team's draft choices has been notable, with the selection of Carson Schwesinger, Quinshon Judkins, and Harold Fannin enjoying successful rookie seasons. The team's Day 2 draftees were acquired after trading out of the Travis Hunter slot, adding valuable first- and second-round picks to select defensive tackle Mason Graham at No. 5. Pro Football Focus ranks Graham highly among interior D-line regulars.
Berry's previous stint in Cleveland from 2016-17, during the Sashi Brown- and Paul DePodesta-directed rebuild, further highlights his experience and influence. Two of the team's three playoff berths since 1999 have occurred under Berry and Stefanski's leadership, making the upcoming decision after this season's conclusion intriguing.
Stefanski's potential trade to the Giants has sparked interest, with some league insiders questioning his value as a retread candidate. The retread crop includes Robert Saleh, Vance Joseph, and Mike McCarthy. Mike McDaniel, a potential candidate if the Dolphins let him go, could also be in the running. A Stefanski-for-McDaniel swap would be an interesting move, given the similar ages of the coaches (43 and 42, respectively).
The primary motivation for such a switch would be McDaniel's potential to maximize Cleveland's offense, an area where Stefanski has struggled in recent seasons. While McDaniel's future in Miami remains uncertain, the AFC East club's new GM hire adds to the uncertainty. Both Stefanski and McDaniel would likely attract immediate HC interest if fired, given the limited offensive candidates in the market.
