The Atlanta Falcons have announced Kevin Stefanski as their new coach, the team reported on Saturday night. This decision marks a new chapter for the franchise, which seeks to revitalize its course in the NFL.
Stefanski in Charge of the Falcons
Stefanski, 43, comes to the Falcons after a six-season stint with the Cleveland Browns, where he compiled a 45-56 record. During his time in Cleveland, he managed to lead the team to the playoffs twice, in 2020 and 2023, being recognized as the NFL Coach of the Year in both seasons. Stefanski’s appointment comes after the dismissal of Raheem Morris on January 4, after two consecutive seasons with an 8-9 record. The Falcons have not participated in the playoffs in eight seasons, representing the second-longest drought in the NFL. In addition, the team has not recorded a winning season since 2017. In addition to the change in coaching direction, the Falcons also fired general manager Terry Fontenot, a position that is still vacant. Before starting the search for a coach and general manager, Atlanta created the position of president of football, which was filled by Matt Ryan, the team’s former quarterback for 14 seasons and considered the best player in franchise history. Ryan led the interviews for the coaching candidates.Stefanski will report to Ryan, as will the new general manager. During the selection process, the Falcons interviewed other prominent candidates, including John Harbaugh, Klint Kubiak, Mike McDaniel, Anthony Weaver, Aden Durde, Jeff Hafley, and Jesse Minter. Stefanski was the first candidate to be called for a second interview, which took place on Saturday at the residence of the team owner, Arthur Blank. Stefanski rose through the ranks of the Minnesota Vikings for 14 years before being hired by Cleveland in 2020. In 2018 and 2019, he coincided with Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins.“We are thrilled to have Kevin Stefanski, a leader who leads by example and brings a clear vision for his team, our team, and a closely aligned approach to building this team on fundamentals, toughness, and active collaboration with every area of the football operation,” Ryan said in a statement. “Coach Stefanski is a team-first leader who values accountability for all and a player-driven culture.”
Matt Ryan
Stefanski inherits a roster that features four players who were named All-Pros in 2025. Bijan Robinson was named first-team running back and second-team all-purpose player. Tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., right guard Chris Lindstrom, and safety Jessie Bates III earned second-team honors. However, Stefanski will also face some uncertainty at the quarterback position. Shortly after signing Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in 2024, the Falcons selected Michael Penix Jr. in the first round of the NFL draft. Cousins lost the starting job after an underperforming performance in the middle of the 2024 season. Penix finished his rookie season and began the 2025 campaign as a starter before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Cousins stepped in for the last nine games, leading the Falcons to a 5-4 record and a four-game winning streak to close out the season. Penix’s recovery is expected to extend into training camp. Stefanski has experience with uncertainty at the quarterback position. The Browns had quarterback rotation for most of his tenure, after trading away former number one draft pick Baker Mayfield and acquiring Deshaun Watson.“I am very excited to be the one in charge of leading this iconic franchise,” Stefanski stated. “I thank Mr. Blank and Matt Ryan for trusting me to coach this football team and there are many talented players on our roster that I am looking forward to coaching. We share a vision for this football team that I believe will make Falcons fans everywhere proud.”
Kevin Stefanski
“We will get to work immediately to form a first-class technical body and strive to get to know all the great people who are so important to get us where we want to go,” Stefanski said.
Kevin Stefanski
