The Cleveland Browns entered their Week 9 bye with a 2-6 record and no plans to make any major changes during the bye week. Dillon Gabriel was expected to remain the starter, and no major trades were anticipated.
But, while Gabriel is still the starter, the Browns' offense is going to look a bit different in their first week coming off a bye.
According to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is giving up play-calling duties. What stands out about this is that it's the second-straight season in which Stefanski is giving up such a job to his offensive coordinator.
Browns' Kevin Stefanski gives up play-calling duties for second-straight season
In 2024, Stefeanski gave up play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. After the season came to a close, Stefanski remained the head coach, while Dorsey was fired.
Last year, Kevin Stefanski handed play-calling duties to OC Ken Dorsey — who was fired at the end of the season.
This year, Stefanski hands the play-calling duties to OC Tommy Rees with the team sitting at 2-6. https://t.co/nI4VvRuw3x
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 3, 2025
Now, one year later, Stefanksi is giving up play-calling duties once again to his offensive coordinator. This time, Tommy Rees takes control of the Browns' offense.
Coming out of their bye week, the Browns have a new play-caller in Rees. His first test won't be an easy one, as his Browns offense will face the New York Jets' defense.
While the Jets are just 1-7, they're coming off a bye week of their own that followed a massive 39-38 comeback win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Jets are also likely to get Sauce Gardner back, and with the Jets not intending to sell off key assets at the deadline like Jermaine Johnson or Quinnen Williams, Rees will have a tough task facing a Jets defense with momentum.
More: Insider reveals unexpected Browns trade deadline plans amid 2-6 record
Gabriel will be the starter for Cleveland once again, and Rees might have to work with a short-handed offense if Andrew Berry and the front office trade away any offensive players.
Jerry Jeudy, David Njoku, Jerome Ford, and multiple offensive linemen have been mentioned in trade rumors ahead of the Tuesday NFL deadline.
Cleveland isn't the easiest coaching job, specifically on offense. With one of the worst offensive units in the NFL, Rees will look to turn things around with Gabriel in a tough matchup against the Jets' defense.
This is Stefanski's second consecutive season, giving up play-calling duties. It's a strange situation, and while Stefanski has a safe job for now, this decision coming in back-to-back seasons isn't a good look for the Browns' head coach.
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