The Atlanta Falcons have appointed Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach, finalizing the hire just hours after his second interview with the team on Saturday night. This move marks a significant step in the Falcons’ efforts to revitalize their franchise after several disappointing seasons.
Stefanski, 43, joins the Falcons from the Cleveland Browns, where he served as head coach for six seasons and earned two Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year awards. His tenure with the Browns included playoff appearances in 2020 and 2023, though the team struggled in his final two years. Before Cleveland, Stefanski spent 14 years with the Minnesota Vikings, rising to offensive coordinator, which provided him with extensive experience in NFL coaching ranks.
The Falcons’ decision comes after they fired head coach Raheem Morris on January 4 following back-to-back 8-9 seasons. Atlanta has not made the playoffs in eight years, the second-longest drought in the league, and has lacked a winning record since 2017. In addition to Morris, general manager Terry Fontenot was dismissed, and the team is still searching for his replacement.
A key figure in the hiring process was Matt Ryan, the Falcons’ former franchise quarterback who was recently named president of football. Ryan, who played 14 seasons for Atlanta, has been leading all interviews for the coaching candidates. His involvement signifies a new direction for the team’s football operations, emphasizing a collaborative approach.
Stefanski’s hiring was announced after he met with Falcons leadership, including owner Arthur Blank, at Blank’s home in Atlanta. The Falcons conducted interviews with several candidates, including John Harbaugh and Klint Kubiak, but Stefanski was the first to be brought back for a second interview, indicating the team’s strong interest in him.
In a statement, Matt Ryan expressed enthusiasm for Stefanski’s leadership style, highlighting his focus on fundamentals, toughness, and accountability. Ryan noted that Stefanski’s experience in Cleveland and Minnesota has prepared him to work effectively with the Falcons’ existing staff and infrastructure to maximize player potential.
Stefanski himself acknowledged the opportunity, stating that he is thrilled to lead the iconic franchise and looks forward to building a first-class coaching staff. He emphasized a shared vision with the organization to make Falcons fans proud and indicated that work would begin immediately on assembling his team and getting to know the roster.
The Falcons now face the challenge of turning around their fortunes with Stefanski at the helm. His track record with running games and playoff experience could help address Atlanta’s offensive struggles. Next steps include finalizing the coaching staff and preparing for the offseason, as the team aims to end its playoff drought and compete for championships in the coming years.
