The Falcons are turning a page-and Michael Penix Jr. is right at the center of it.
With Matt Ryan stepping into the role of Atlanta’s first-ever president of football operations, the franchise is clearly putting its chips on long-term development, especially at the quarterback position. And no one stands to benefit more from that vision than Penix, the 25-year-old passer who’s shown flashes of brilliance but is still waiting for the right ecosystem to unlock his full potential.
Ryan, a former MVP and the face of the franchise for over a decade, has already been mentoring Penix since his arrival. But now, as the architect of Atlanta’s football future, Ryan’s biggest move yet may be the hiring of Kevin Stefanski as head coach-a decision that could reshape Penix’s trajectory.
A New Era Begins in Atlanta
After a lengthy search, the Falcons landed Stefanski late Saturday night, and it’s a hire that checks all the right boxes. Penix didn’t waste time reacting, posting a simple “let’s work” on Instagram-a short but telling message from a quarterback who knows this could be the turning point.
Stefanski, 43, comes in with a résumé that includes two Coach of the Year awards and a reputation for maximizing quarterbacks-even in less-than-ideal situations. Just last season, he guided a Cleveland team led by a resurgent Joe Flacco to the playoffs.
And earlier in his career, he played a key role in Baker Mayfield’s early development. Now, with a young, high-upside QB in Penix and a more dynamic supporting cast than he had in Cleveland, Stefanski has a real opportunity to build something sustainable in Atlanta.
Why This Matters for Penix
Let’s be clear-Penix hasn’t had the easiest start to his NFL career. He’s only made 12 starts, and he’s currently rehabbing another torn ACL, casting doubt on his availability for the early part of 2026.
But even with the injury concerns, his arm talent is undeniable. The problem?
The previous coaching staff didn’t play to his strengths.
Under offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, Penix was often stuck in the pistol formation, with limited play-action usage-despite the fact that play-action was a staple of his college success at Washington. The fit never made much sense, and the offense looked disjointed more often than not.
That’s where Stefanski comes in. He’s known for crafting game plans that highlight a quarterback’s strengths, not bury them. Whether he takes over play-calling duties himself or brings in a trusted offensive coordinator, the expectation is that Penix will finally be put in a position to succeed.
An Offense Ready to Grow
The pieces are in place. Penix already has chemistry with wideout Drake London, and tight end Kyle Pitts is expected back healthy. Add in a do-it-all weapon like Bijan Robinson, and Stefanski inherits a far more versatile offense than he had in Cleveland.
It’s not a perfect system yet-some might argue that a hire like Klint Kubiak would’ve been more tailored to Penix’s play-action-heavy background-but Atlanta didn’t just need a scheme fit. They needed leadership, experience, and a proven track record of quarterback development. Stefanski brings all of that and more.
And Penix knows it. His reaction speaks volumes-not just excitement, but a readiness to grind, to grow, and to finally take the reins in a system built for him.
What Comes Next
There’s still plenty of work ahead. Penix’s health will be the first hurdle. Stefanski will need to finalize his staff, build a new offensive identity, and reestablish a winning culture in a franchise that’s been stuck in neutral for too long.
But for the first time in a while, the Falcons have a clear direction-and it starts with a quarterback who’s got the tools, the mindset, and now, the coach to take that next step.
The Matt Ryan era built a legacy. The Penix-Stefanski era is just getting started.