The Cleveland Browns celebrated their ticket to the NFL playoffs this Sunday by beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 22 – 22 on the last day of the season 2020. This Tuesday, the team that took 18 years to return to the playoffs reported that their head coach did not
Kevin Stefanski, who has done a fabulous job in his first year as head coach, tested positive for COVID – 19 and will not be able to be in his team’s game again against Pittsburgh within The NFL Wild Card Round .
We 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.
Our contingency planning calls for Special Teams Coordinator Mike Priefer to serve as the acting Head Coach. pic.twitter.com/Mhh9Zt1e4d
– Cleveland Browns (@Browns) January 5, 2021
Mike Priefer, who is the special teams coordinator, will be the interim coach for Cleveland’s visit to Pittsburgh.
The last time the Browns played in a postseason was January 5, 2003, when coincidentally also faced the Steelers in wild card game at Heinz Field and lost 36 – 33 after allowing 22 points in the fourth period .
In addition to Stefanski, two other members of the coaching staff and two players were placed on the list of the COVID – 19 : offensive lineman Joel Bitonio, one of his best elements, and wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge.
The Steelers were ranked as favorites cough for 6 points on Tuesday.