The Atlanta Falcons have officially named Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach, NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo, and Tom Pelissero reported Saturday, with the team confirming the hire shortly thereafter.
“In Kevin Stefanski, we have found a coach with the right vision, focus and demeanor to lead our team into the future,” Falcons owner Arthur Blank said. “He has a great plan for his staff, and he’s learned many things during his stops in Cleveland and Minnesota that have prepared him for this moment. Our objective is to win games and contend for championships every year, and that is where our shared focus will remain.”
Stefanski, 43, comes off a six-year stint as the Cleveland Browns head coach, where he made the playoffs twice and earned AP NFL Coach of the Year honors on two occasions. Despite finishing the 2025 season 5-12, Stefanski compiled a 45-56 career record in Cleveland, highlighted by two 11-win campaigns—the only time the franchise has reached that mark this century.
Stefanski attracted attention from multiple teams this offseason, including the Ravens, Dolphins, Giants, and Titans, before agreeing to take the Falcons’ helm.
Atlanta, which hasn’t made the playoffs or posted a winning record since 2017, sees Stefanski as a key figure in turning around a struggling franchise. The Falcons ended the 2025 season on a four-game winning streak, including victories over Tampa Bay and Los Angeles, giving the organization a glimpse of potential.
The roster Stefanski inherits features offensive standouts like running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London, with tight end Kyle Pitts potentially returning to form. Defensively, the Falcons can build around secondary talents A.J. Terrell and Xavier Watts, as well as front-seven contributors James Pearce Jr., Jalon Walker, and Brandon Dorlus.
The quarterback position presents the most immediate challenge. Michael Penix Jr. is recovering from a partially torn ACL, while Kirk Cousins could enter free agency after reworking his contract. Stefanski has a strong track record developing quarterbacks, having worked with a rotation that included Baker Mayfield, Deshaun Watson, Jacoby Brissett, Joe Flacco, Jameis Winston, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders. His ability to stabilize the position will be a major focus in Atlanta.
With Stefanski now on board, the Falcons are embracing a fresh start, pairing a talented roster with a coach known for offensive acumen and quarterback development. The organization hopes Stefanski can finally guide them back to consistent winning and playoff contention.
