Browns' Flacco backs Kevin Stefanski for Coach of the Year

Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco believes head coach Kevin Stefanski should get recognition for the Coach of the Year award following the 2023 campaign.

"He does a great job, and I think he deserves a lot of credit, obviously, with the amount of variables that he's been dealing with this year," Flacco said Wednesday, according to Jake Trotter of ESPN. "He's the first guy you're going to have to look at when you talk about that kind of stuff."

The Browns sit at 8-5 and hold the top wild-card spot in the AFC despite losing crucial players to injuries. Four of Cleveland's Week 1 offensive starters have suffered season-ending injuries: Deshaun Watson, Nick Chubb, Jack Conklin, and Jedrick Wills Jr.

Stefanski, also the offensive play-caller, has had to deal with many quarterback issues. Four different signal-callers have started a game for his club this year, all securing at least one victory.

Flacco, the latest quarterback to run his offense, was signed to the practice squad on Nov. 20. Stefanski gave him the start 13 days later against the Los Angeles Rams, and the veteran quarterback is now the full-time leader of the offense. He's 1-1 in two starts, throwing for 565 yards with five touchdowns and two interceptions.

Defensive end Myles Garrett also praised Stefanski for the job he's done through 14 weeks.

"He's coaching his ass off," Garrett said Sunday.

"With everything that's changed throughout the year, pieces moving in and out, switched around, he's done a hell of a job," he added.

Cleveland's offense has stayed afloat despite the injuries, ranking 12th in points per game through 13 contests.

The Browns will face off against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.