Browns insider Tony Rizzo names Indiana coach Curt Cignetti to replace Kevin Stefanski after missing playoffs 2 years in a row

Tony Rizzo doesn't want Kevin Stefanski to coach the Cleveland Browns beyond the 2025 NFL season. The ESPN Cleveland analyst has been critical of the coach through the season, and he believes it's time to show him the exit after two seasons without postseason football.

Speaking on “The Tony Rizzo Show” on Friday, Rizzo disclosed who he feels should succeed Stefanski at the Browns. The analyst named Indiana coach Curt Cignetti, who has been a revelation in the last two college football seasons, as the right fit to take the Browns to the next level.

“You know who I want to coach at Browns?" Rizzo said. "I'd take Curt Cignetti right now. “What a culture changer. Here's what you need for the next Browns coach. No. 1, ass kicker. Passive Stefanski didn't work. No.2, proven winner, done. No.3, culture changer. That guy, if that guy wins a national championship with Indiana, I'll go to Indiana and pick his ass up.”

Cignetti is currently leading the Hoosiers on the way to national championship glory against the odds in the College Football Playoff. Tony Rizzo is linking him to the Browns just a day after he defeated Alabama 38-3 in the Rose Bowl to advance to the playoff semifinal.

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Tony Rizzo has two bold questions from the Cleveland Browns’ front office

With a firm belief from his side that Kevin Stefanski will be fired, Tony Rizzo had two bold questions for the Browns’ front office on his show on ESPN Cleveland on Friday.

“Who in the world is gonna pick the next coach?” Rizzo said. “And what is the status of Andrew Barry? That is something we gotta know right away. And we should know on Monday, because either Andrew Barry's employed by the Browns or he's not. They're gonna have to come clean on that.”

The analyst further expressed his frustration with how the franchise has been operated by the decision makers.

“It's been six years," Rizzo said. "My offensive line is disintegrated. Can't find a wide receiver to save my life. And oh, by the way, I'm still looking for a franchise quarterback after you wasted a third-round pick on a guy who was ready to go in the fifth or sixth round. Is that where I am?”

The Browns end their season against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday at Paycor Stadium. With a 4-12 record heading into the season finale, they rank among the worst teams in the league, necessitating changes in the upcoming season.

Edited by Farouk Yusuf