There are currently two NFL teams with open head coaching jobs, and among league observers and media members, speculation is rampant that the Browns are a favorite to become the third, joining the Giants and Titans. Even with Shedeur Sanders giving a sliver of hope to the Browns’ offense, coach Kevin Stefanski’s team is just 4-12 and after last year’s 3-14 disaster, it’s easy to imagine he will take the fall for the failure.

Already around the league, there is speculation that Stefanski could land elsewhere, and that Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel could replace him if Miami dismisses him after the season, as many expect.

While many feel that Sanders was held back too long by Stefanski and the Browns this season, as they cycled through Joe Flacco as the starter, followed by third-round pick Dillon Gabriel, when asked for his thoughts on his coach as the team heads into the 2025 finale, Sanders remained positive.

Browns’ Shedeur Sanders on Kevin Stefanski: ‘That’s More Media Stuff’

Now, it should be pointed out that Sanders was asked specifically about Stefanski and his future with the Browns and his response was measured. But he did sound appreciative of Stefanski as a coach, despite outside chatter that Sanders was not happy with how he was treated by the team and its coaches this year.

Sanders said there’s nothing to that.

“I don’t think we listen to the external stuff. He’s our coach,” Sanders said. “We view him as the same as we view him the first week. You know, we got the utmost respect for him. And yeah, I think that’s more media stuff, that’s more outside noise than, I mean, half of us don’t know if we gonna be here next year, you know what I’m saying?

“So, it’s like we don’t really look at that. You know, we play for the franchise, we play for our coaches, we play for the names on the front and back of our jersey. So, it’s more than just like stuff that’s just online.”

Shedeur Sanders ‘Truly Thankful’

Sanders was asked again specifically about Stefanski, who has twice been the league’s Coach of the Year during his six-year tenure with the Browns, but who has been unable to find a consistent quarterback to man the offense and has produced only one playoff win in those six seasons.

Sanders, despite his rocky 2025, from the NFL draft through his benching to his eventual ascension to the starting job, is grateful for the coaches and his time with the Browns.

“I’ll say I’m truly thankful. I’m thankful that I was able to come here,” he said. “I’m thankful that I do have a relationship with all the coaches. I’m thankful that just evolving from day one, evolving from being a ‘hungry dawg’ to now, it’s exciting.

“And sometimes I think about those days, so I don’t take anything for granted. I think overall, the communication with the coaches and everything been really good, and I’m just thankful to just be here in general.”