Regardless of personal opinions, it appears that **[Kevin Stefanski](/Coach/kevin-stefanski-3489/)** and Andrew Berry will be returning in 2025. I believe this is the best decision for the organization; however, I am concerned about the notion of a general manager feeling like he is backed into a corner.
When Albert Breer mentioned that Stefanski and Berry might return next season, he used the term "mulligan" in connection with the Watson situation. However, what happens if they come back next year and only win seven games? Wouldn't it be likely that they would be let go then?
When reports from Breer, Ian Rapoport, and Adam Schefter emerged before the Browns' first meeting with the Steelers, indicating that Stefanski and Berry were likely safe and expected to return next season, it struck me as a deliberate message from the higher-ups in the Browns organization. They seemed to be trying to quell the surrounding "hot seat" chatter.
The more I reflect on the situation, the more it seems that both Stefanski and Berry are facing a critical do-or-die season in 2025. While it's common for a coach to feel pressure regarding his future with the team, it becomes concerning when a general manager is also in a must-win predicament. In such cases, there is a risk that he might shift into self-preservation mode, which can be detrimental to the organization.
The general manager controls the team's assets for the long term; at what point do the organization's best interests and the individual's best interests intersect?
Berry is highly respected across the NFL and would likely secure another job in the league relatively quickly if he were to be fired in Cleveland. Therefore, it is unlikely that he would take any desperate or self-serving actions, such as sacrificing future assets to achieve success in 2025. However, it must be challenging to manage the salary cap, team personnel, and draft capital when you feel it might be your last chance to win.
The Haslams must be aware of these thought processes, which raises the question of whether Berry and Stefanski have been promised more than just next season. This is especially relevant considering they recently signed contract extensions. As Breer has pointed out multiple times, this is the organizational structure that Haslam has been trying to establish for some time.