Kevin Stefanski voted 2020 NFL Coach of the Year by the PFWA and Sporting News

[Auggie]

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Kevin Stefanski has been recognized for his efforts in his challenging first season as an NFL head coach.

Stefanski, who overcame a virtual offseason and the worst COVID-19 outbreak in the NFL, was voted NFL Coach of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America, and by NFL head coaches for Sporting News.

Sporting News reported that other coaches receiving votes by their peers were Chiefs coach Andy Reid and Dolphins coach Brian Flores.

Taking over for Freddie Kitchens, who went 6-10 in his lone season, Stefanski led the Browns to an 11-5 record and their first playoff berth in 18 years. The 11-5 mark was their best since returning in 1999.

MORE: https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2021/01/kevin-stefanski-voted-2020-nfl-coach-of-the-year-by-the-pfwa.html

I have issues.

His defenses lacked on-field leadership and were too quick to employ prevent-type coverages, allowing a lot of scoring by the opposition late in games. He also lost control of the pandemic which very likely cost them home field advantage in the playoffs. You could blame the defensive coordinator, locker room staff, and players, but responsibility starts at the top -- the head coach. He stumbled in both instances.

Brian Flores (Dolphins) might have deserved it more.

[underpants]

1. Ron Rivera would be my pick.

Stefanski is great no question. Rivera was coach, GM, and assistant GM while going through cancer treatment. Just saying.

[Auggie]

2. Solid choice

He got them to the playoffs after a slow start and challenging QB situation.

[brush]

3. He deserves if for schemes he deployed that turned Mayfield from a bust...

into a good QB. Most people were ready to move on from Baker Mayfield after four seasons of poor to mediocre play under the previous coaches' offenses.

Stefanski tailored his offense to Mayfield's strengths, which should be a no-brainer of a thing to do for a coach but somehow escapes many who get a head coaching jobs.

[Best_man23]

4. Flores would have gotten it had Miami made it to the playoffs

Yes the argument can be made Flores brought Miami further, but falling short of the playoffs was likely the decision factor for more than one voter. I'm a Fins fan and really wanted to see him get coach of the year. I'm just glad after 25 years, they finally have a real coach.