Stefanski has 'newfound respect' for fans after watching game from home

The Cleveland Browns won their first playoff game since 1995 on Sunday but were without head coach Kevin Stefanski, who was forced to stay home after testing positive for COVID-19.

Stefanski spoke Monday about the experience of watching the game from his basement, noting it gave him a new perspective on what it's like to be a fan.

"I have a newfound respect for all of our fans and how they watch those games," he told reporters. "I like it better when I have some control."

On top of the stress, Stefanski also dealt with some technical difficulties. The sideline boss said he paused his television for 45 seconds before kickoff and forgot to hit fast-forward, not realizing the game was delayed until he heard his kids celebrating Cleveland's first touchdown upstairs.

"My kids were going crazy upstairs," he said. "I had an inkling something good was going to happen on that first play."

Stefanski is expected to rejoin the Browns in time for their divisional-round matchup against the Chiefs.

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