NFL Veterans Rip Kevin Stefanski’s Coaching: Is Shedeur Sanders Set Up to Fail in Cleveland?

NFL Insiders Sound the Alarm

After the Cleveland Browns’ latest defeat at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers, a new controversy has erupted—this time, not about the players, but about the coaching. Several respected NFL veterans have publicly called out Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, accusing him of mishandling rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders and questioning whether the young star is being set up to fail.

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The criticism, delivered on popular podcasts and across social media, is raw, direct, and coming from those who know the game best: former players who have experienced the highs and lows of NFL locker rooms. Their verdict? The Browns’ coaching, especially Stefanski’s game management and play-calling, is “awful”—and it’s costing Sanders and the team dearly.

The Numbers Tell a Story—But Not the Whole Story

Shedeur Sanders’ stat line against the 49ers was respectable for a rookie: 16 completions on 25 attempts, 149 yards, and a touchdown. No turnovers, no disastrous mistakes—just a solid, if unspectacular, outing for a quarterback making only his second NFL start. Yet, as the veterans pointed out, the numbers don’t tell the whole story.

Sanders was sacked three times, often holding the ball too long and failing to throw it away—mistakes that can be corrected with experience and coaching. But the bigger issue, according to the NFL vets, is how the Browns’ offensive scheme seems designed to minimize Sanders’ impact, rather than help him grow.

“Does Stefanski Even Want to Win?”

The frustration was palpable as former players watched the Browns’ offense sputter. “Do they want to win?” one podcast host asked, echoing the sentiment of many fans and insiders. The play-calling was conservative to a fault: long stretches without a single pass attempt, even as the team fell behind. On critical third and fourth downs, Stefanski kept the ball out of Sanders’ hands, opting for predictable runs that failed to move the chains.

One sequence stood out: on a crucial fourth-and-one, the Browns lined up with a rookie tight end under center—motioning him in to take a direct snap, while Sanders stood at running back. The play ended in a fumbled snap and a wasted opportunity. “What are we doing?” an exasperated veteran asked. “That’s got to be the dumbest play I’ve ever seen.”

The Accusation: Sabotage or Incompetence?

The veterans didn’t mince words. “It’s either Stefanski is setting Sanders up for failure, or he’s the worst coach of all time,” one said. “If he’s a good coach, then he’s specifically making this team look bad. And if he’s that bad, fire him, please.”

This wasn’t just frustration over a single game. The pattern was clear: Sanders wasn’t given the chance to lead, to make plays, or to develop the confidence needed to succeed as an NFL starter. Instead, Stefanski’s decisions seemed to signal a lack of trust in his rookie quarterback—a message that can be devastating for a young player trying to prove himself.

Locker Room Drama: The Jerry Jeudy Situation

The criticism of Stefanski wasn’t limited to his handling of Sanders. NFL veterans also weighed in on the sideline clash between Sanders and star receiver Jerry Jeudy. The altercation, which saw offensive linemen intervene to separate the two, was another sign of dysfunction within the Browns’ locker room.

Veterans were quick to point out that Jeudy, who leads the league in dropped passes, was in no position to call out his quarterback. “You’re not putting up Jamar Chase numbers,” one said. “You can’t talk to the starting quarterback like that.” The consensus was clear: Jeudy’s repeated mistakes and lack of production undermined his credibility, and his public criticism of Sanders was out of line.

Offensive Line Steps In: A Sign of Deeper Issues

The fact that offensive linemen felt compelled to step in and defuse the situation between Jeudy and Sanders speaks volumes. “Offensive linemen are psychopaths,” joked one veteran. “They don’t get involved in skill player drama unless it’s serious.” The intervention was seen as a sign that the team’s chemistry is fraying—and that the coaching staff isn’t doing enough to maintain order and unity.

The Media Defends Stefanski—But Players Aren’t Buying It

While some in the media have defended Stefanski, suggesting that Sanders’ supporters are overreacting, NFL veterans aren’t convinced. “Are you going to call King Dunlap crazy? Are you going to call all the NFL players who say Stefanski doesn’t like Sanders delusional?” one host asked. The message was clear: those who have played the game at the highest level see through the excuses and believe the Browns’ coaching is a major problem.

The Impact on Sanders’ Development

The stakes couldn’t be higher for Shedeur Sanders. A rookie quarterback’s early experiences can shape his entire career. Confidence, chemistry with teammates, and the ability to learn from mistakes are all crucial. But if the coaching staff doesn’t trust him—or worse, actively works against him—his development could be derailed before it even begins.

Veterans pointed to the lack of passing opportunities, the bizarre play-calling, and the failure to put Sanders in positions to succeed as evidence that Stefanski is failing in his most important responsibility: nurturing his young quarterback.

What Needs to Change?

The solutions, according to the NFL vets, are straightforward:

Empower Sanders: Let him throw the ball, make decisions, and learn from his mistakes. Conservative play-calling stifles growth and breeds frustration.
Clean Up the Locker Room: Address the drama between players like Jeudy and Sanders. Leadership starts at the top, and Stefanski must set the tone for accountability and respect.
Simplify the Offense: Stop with the gimmicks—no more tight ends under center on crucial downs. Trust the quarterback to make plays.
Build Confidence: Support Sanders publicly and privately. Show faith in his abilities and give him the tools to succeed.

The Bigger Picture: Cleveland’s Long-Term Outlook

The controversy surrounding Stefanski and Sanders is emblematic of deeper issues in Cleveland. The Browns have long struggled to develop quarterbacks, cycling through coaches and schemes in search of stability. The current crisis threatens to undermine yet another promising young talent.

Veterans warn that unless the organization changes course, Sanders could join the long list of quarterbacks whose potential was squandered by poor coaching and management. The window for success is narrow, and the pressure is mounting.

Conclusion: Time for Accountability in Cleveland

The verdict from NFL veterans is clear: Kevin Stefanski’s coaching is failing Shedeur Sanders and the Browns. Whether through incompetence or deliberate sabotage, the current approach is unsustainable. The team’s chemistry is suffering, the locker room is divided, and a promising rookie quarterback is being held back.

For Cleveland fans, the message is sobering. Change is needed—now. Empower Sanders, clean up the locker room, and demand accountability from the coaching staff. The future of the Browns depends on it.