The Atlanta Falcons had their sights set high in the early stages of their head coaching search, but their top target is officially off the board. John Harbaugh is heading to New York to take over the Giants, leaving Atlanta to pivot quickly in what’s shaping up to be a pivotal offseason for the franchise.
According to reports, the Falcons made a serious push for Harbaugh, including a lengthy virtual interview on Monday. The pitch?
A roster loaded with young, high-ceiling talent. Think Jessie Bates III anchoring the secondary, Drake London making plays on the outside, James Pearce Jr. bringing juice off the edge, and Bijan Robinson-one of the league’s most dynamic young backs-ready to be the centerpiece of a modern offense.
The Falcons believed their core would be enough to entice Harbaugh. He listened, but in the end, chose the Giants.
Now, Atlanta’s focus has shifted-and fast.
Kevin Stefanski has emerged as the Falcons’ top target, according to multiple reports. And they’re not alone in their pursuit.
Stefanski, who coached the Cleveland Browns from 2020 to 2025, is drawing interest from several teams around the league. His resume speaks for itself: two playoff appearances, two Coach of the Year awards, and a reputation for steady leadership amid some turbulent seasons in Cleveland.
He finished his Browns tenure with a 45-56 record, but that number doesn’t tell the full story. Stefanski consistently got more out of less, and that’s what teams are banking on now.
Connor Hughes of SNY summed up the situation simply: “Whoever didn’t land Harbaugh would get Stefanski.” And right now, the Falcons are pushing hard to make that happen.
But it won’t be easy. Stefanski is expected to have second interviews with multiple teams next week, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The Titans, Ravens, and Falcons are all reportedly in the mix. The Miami Dolphins have already interviewed him as well, adding another layer of competition to an already crowded field.
That said, Atlanta isn’t putting all its eggs in one basket. The organization has cast a wide net, speaking with Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, and former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. Each brings a different flavor-Minter with his aggressive defensive schemes, Hafley with a rising reputation in Green Bay, and McDaniel’s offensive creativity that once sparked a high-powered Miami attack.
The Falcons believe their roster is close-close enough that the right coach could unlock a playoff run sooner rather than later. That makes this hire a franchise-defining decision for owner Arthur Blank and team president Matt Ryan. They’re not just looking for a coach-they’re looking for a leader who can elevate a talented but underperforming roster into a legitimate contender.
As the coaching carousel spins, Stefanski is the name to watch in Atlanta. But with multiple teams jockeying for his services, the Falcons will need to move decisively if they want to land their next head coach.