In a swift turn of events, Browns’ rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders quickly shifted his attention to the future following the announcement of head coach Kevin Stefanski’s dismissal on Monday.

Speaking during his season wrap-up press conference, held just a day after securing a narrow 20-18 victory over the Bengals, Sanders maintained a professional demeanor, emphasizing his priority on identifying Cleveland’s next head coach.

“We just got the news moments ago,” Sanders remarked when questioned about his thoughts on Stefanski’s departure. “It’s about having the right mindset; changes are inevitable in this league.”

“Looking ahead, our focus should be on personal growth to prepare for the new leadership,” he added.

Stefanski’s tenure with the Browns concluded with a disappointing 5-12 record this season. Over his six-year stint, he guided the team to two playoff berths and earned the title of AP NFL Coach of the Year on two occasions.

Sanders — whom the Browns selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft last April — was under a microscope this season and often at the center of debates regarding his playing style, attitude and his relationship with Stefanski.

After Sunday’s regular-season finale, Sanders explained that he and Stefanski “grew to understand each other” this season.

“We would share different things that we would both go through,” Sanders told reporters. “I know he wanted this win, and I know he wants every win, but I know that this one means a lot.

“I wish we all played as a team, and I wish we could have done more personally within this last year.”

In his rookie campaign, Sanders went 3-4 in seven starts, finishing 120-of-212 for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions, with a passer rating of 68.1.

He went 11-of-22 for 111 yards with a lost fumble in Sunday’s win over Cincinnati.

“I think I did what I was able to do and I definitely grew from a lot of things,” Sanders said when asked if he thinks he’s proved to general manager Andrew Berry that he should be the starter in 2026.

“I got experience now so, I’m always there, same confidence-wise, I’m there. But that’s not in my hands. That’s not my decision I can’t speak on what other people feel.”

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam was non-committal about Sanders’s future in Cleveland in his Monday press conference.

“I’m not going to get into specifics. We have a lot of work to do on the roster, particularly on the offense side,” Haslam said.

The Colorado product showed flashes of arm strength and clean mechanics in his debut season.

As for his offseason plans, Sanders told reporters: “Be with the family, then get back to work. Connecting with the guys earlier. … Just overall getting better, looking at everything that happened this year, what transpired, and going into next year with a fresh mind.”