Browns could cut ties with Kevin Stefanski for legendary college football coach in unprecedented move

The Cleveland Browns could make a shocking move and cut ties with Kevin Stefanski after the 2025 season for a legendary college football coach.

Sportsnaut's Jason Burgos lists the Browns as a potential landing spot for former Alabama head coach Nick Saban, who retired from coaching in 2024.

"Cleveland would be a team desperate enough to give Saban whatever he wants to take over their program. That would surely entice the coach to go back to the NFL ranks," Burgos wrote.

Saban returning to coaching has gained some steam this week.

During an appearance on the "Mac and Cube" show on Monday, former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy stated that someone close to Saban told him that the six-time National Championship-winning head coach is eyeing a return to coaching in the future.

"A very much in the know person that I have a lot of respect for and have spent a lot of time around, and just really, really admire -- they seem to think Nick Saban is not done coaching," McElroy said. "He's pretty adamant that he thinks Nick Saban will be coaching again."

The Browns could be in the market for a new head coach next offseason, as another losing season could lead to the end of the Stefanski era. Though he has won AP Coach of the Year twice, Stefanski has posted just two winning seasons as Cleveland's coach with three losing campaigns.

Saban would be an excellent hire by the Browns in 2026, as the defensive-minded coach is a respected culture builder who could rebuild the dysfunctional franchise into a potential contender.

Additionally, Saban was the defensive coordinator of the Browns from 1991 to 1994, so there is already some familiarity with Cleveland there.

Obviously, if Saban returns to coaching, it will likely be in college. The five-time SEC Coach of the Year has already tried being a head coach in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins, and he only lasted two seasons while posting a 15-17 record.

More than likely, Saban will stay retired and continue his job as a college football analyst for ESPN. However, if he does come out of retirement and coach again, it likely won't be in the NFL with the Browns.

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