Browns Urged to Make Trade for Rival Head Coach as Stefanski Replacement

Quinn’s idea sounds great for the Browns, but the Steelers would hang up the phone immediately once hearing the pitch. Tomlin has spent 18 seasons as Pittsburgh’s skipper, going 181-102-2 over that span and winning a Super Bowl. Players have come and gone, but Tomlin remains the culture-setter in Pittsburgh. The last thing the Steelers would want to do is send him to a division rival.

Additionally, the Steelers are atop the AFC North at 8-2 and would never entertain trading Tomlin, regardless of how the rest of the season plays out.

“It sounds crazy,” Quinn said. “And I’m sure people from Pittsburgh will criticize me and people from Cleveland will think it’s dumb. But if that job came open and I was part of the group trying to do it, I’m trying to get the best possible out there. And that’s who I’d be trying to get.”

Browns Could Look at Mike Vrabel as Head Coach Option

The Browns haven’t been shy about making bold trades, although their most notable one under general manager Andrew Berry proved to be a disaster. Cleveland gave up a treasure trove of assets — including three first-round picks — to land quarterback Deshaun Watson in 2022. It’s proved to be a disaster for the Browns and the fallout will be dealt with for years to come.

But even Quinn conceded at the end of his rant that trading for Tomlin is “never going to happen” for the Browns. However, Cleveland has an interesting internal candidate, Mike Vrabel, who could help create a culture similar to what Tomlin has done in Pittsburgh.

Vrabel signed on with the Browns this offseason as a coaching and personnel consultant after he didn’t land a head coaching gig. He was let go by the Tennessee Titans after a six-win season in 2023.

It might be premature to discuss the post-Stefanski era, but the pressure is mounting as the Browns sit at 2-8. Stefanski has faced significant challenges, including key injuries and the ongoing Watson drama.

Despite the struggles, there’s been no indication the Browns are considering a mid-season coaching change. However, Thursday night’s showdown against Tomlin’s Steelers could prove pivotal in shaping Stefanski’s future with the franchise.