The Atlanta Falcons have found their new leader-and they didn’t wait around to make it official. Kevin Stefanski is set to take over as head coach, with the organization announcing the hire as part of its ongoing top-down overhaul. It’s a bold move that signals Atlanta is ready to turn the page and start a new chapter, one built on collaboration, accountability, and a return to fundamentals.
The hire comes on the heels of the Falcons naming longtime quarterback Matt Ryan as President of Football, a decision that already hinted at a culture shift in the building. Now, with Stefanski on board, the Falcons are doubling down on a vision rooted in cohesion between coaching, personnel, and player development.
“We’re thrilled to land a lead-by-example leader in Kevin Stefanski,” said Ryan. “He brings a clear vision for his staff, our team, and a closely aligned focus on building this team on fundamentals, toughness and active collaboration.” Ryan emphasized Stefanski’s team-first mentality and his emphasis on accountability and a player-driven culture-exactly the kind of approach that resonates in today’s NFL locker rooms.
Stefanski, 43, brings a wealth of experience and a steady hand to Atlanta. He started his NFL journey as an operations intern with the Eagles back in 2005, before joining the Vikings the following year.
Over the next decade-plus in Minnesota, Stefanski wore just about every offensive hat imaginable-tight ends coach, running backs coach, quarterbacks coach-before eventually taking over as offensive coordinator. That versatility and long-term development in one organization gave him a strong foundation in how to build and adapt within a team structure.
He took over as head coach of the Cleveland Browns in 2020 and immediately made waves, guiding the team to an 11-win season and earning AP Coach of the Year honors. He’d win that award again in 2023, but the final two years in Cleveland were a grind.
The Browns went just 7-26 during that stretch, ultimately leading to his dismissal after the 2025 season. Still, Stefanski leaves Cleveland with a 43-54 record over six seasons, two playoff appearances, and a postseason win under his belt.
Now he’s stepping into a new opportunity in Atlanta, and he’s clearly energized by what lies ahead.
“I’m beyond thrilled to be charged with leading this iconic franchise,” Stefanski said. “There are many talented players on our roster that I cannot wait to coach. We share a vision for this football team that I believe will make Falcons fans everywhere proud.”
Owner Arthur Blank echoed that sentiment, expressing confidence in Stefanski’s ability to elevate the current roster and work in lockstep with Ryan and the soon-to-be-hired general manager. “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,” Blank said. “Our objective is to win games and contend for championships every year, and that is where our shared focus will remain.”
The Falcons’ coaching search featured a deep and diverse pool of candidates, including names like Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, 49ers DC Robert Saleh, and former head coaches Mike McDaniel, John Harbaugh, and Antonio Pierce. But Stefanski stood out-not just for his résumé, but for his vision and leadership style.
While Atlanta still has a GM hire to make, locking in a head coach of Stefanski’s caliber gives the franchise a solid foundation to build around. He’s been through the highs and lows of NFL coaching and brings a measured, process-driven approach that should resonate with a young roster looking for direction.
The work starts now. Stefanski will begin assembling his staff, getting to know the players, and setting the tone for what the Falcons hope is a new era of sustained success. There’s a lot still to be done, but one thing’s clear: Atlanta has its guy, and he’s ready to get to work.