The Browns have never won the AFC North. Heck, it’s now been 36 years since they won any division. Don’t expect that to change this year.Inside: Our AFC North preview for the Steelers, Ravens, Bengals and Browns. Let’s go.This article is from The Athletic’s NFL newsletter. Sign up here to receive it directly in your inbox. It’s free to subscribe. AFC North PreviewThe vibe of this division always felt familiar. Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh led gritty, defensive-minded teams. Myles Garrett anchored an imposing defense, opposite an offense that couldn’t keep up. Joe Burrow had the inverse situation in Cincinnati.Then everything changed. Pittsburgh and Baltimore now have very different leaders. The Browns have a new No. 1 pass rusher. The Bengals might even have a defense.The AFC North is where we begin our 2026 division previews, starting with the reigning division champs:Pittsburgh Steelers(10-7, wild-card loss in 2025)Big change: Mike McCarthy as HC. McCarthy isn’t the most exciting hire, but offers what the Steelers need: offense. McCarthy’s offenses ranked above average in yards and points scored in 14 of his 18 NFL seasons as a head coach. Pittsburgh hasn’t had a top-16 offense since 2018. Here’s what McCarthy’s offense might look like.Subtle change: Patrick Graham as DC. Graham spent nearly a decade under Bill Belichick and has worked with Steve Spagnuolo, Brian Flores and Pete Carroll. Graham knows his stuff. He is joined by multiple additions in the Pittsburgh secondary, which should improve the league’s highest-paid defense; it ranked 26th in yards against in 2025, its worst finish since 1988. The scheme got stale. It won’t be this year.Lingering question: Who is the quarterback of the future?Projection: 9-8. I liked the coaching hires. I doubt they are enough for a dramatic improvement. A tough schedule and improved division make for a difficult farewell season for Aaron Rodgers, who gave The Athletic an exclusive interview.