Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski Tests Positive For COVID, Will Reportedly Miss Playoff Game Against Steelers

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The Cleveland Browns have been impacted by COVID-19 in a major way over the past couple of weeks and now the team has announced that head coach Kevin Stefanski, two other coaches, and two players have tested positive. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pellissero, Stefanski is “out” for Sunday’s playoff game against the Steelers and contract tracing is taking place.

Cleveland.com reporter Mary Kay Cabot is reporting that one of the two players who tested positive is “significant” and that TE coach Dre Petzing and DB coach Jeff Howard must sit as well.

This isn’t exactly the news the Browns nor their fans wanted to hear just a few days before their first playoff game since 2002.

The organization put out a statement outlining its contingency plan explaining that special teams coordinator Mike Priefer will serve as acting head coach.

“The Cleveland Browns were informed this morning that Head Coach Kevin Stefanski, two additional members of the coaching staff and two players have tested positive for COVID-19,” the Browns announced in a statement. “Our facility is currently closed while contact tracing is taking place. The team will continue to consult with the league and medical experts to determine the appropriate next steps as the health and safety of our players, coaches, staff and the entire community remains our highest priority. Our contingency planning calls for Special Teams Coordinator Mike Priefer to serve as the acting Head Coach.”