The Atlanta Falcons are turning the page with a new head coach-and it’s a name that carries both experience and intrigue. Kevin Stefanski, the former Cleveland Browns head coach, is taking over in Atlanta following the dismissal of Raheem Morris. Stefanski was one of the more talked-about candidates in this year’s coaching carousel, and now he’s got the reins of a Falcons team that’s brimming with offensive potential but still searching for consistency.
Let’s be clear: Stefanski’s résumé brings credibility. He helped guide the Browns to a long-awaited playoff win and was widely respected for his offensive acumen during his time with the Vikings before that.
But his time in Cleveland didn’t end on a high note. Questions linger about his ability to manage locker room dynamics, and there were reports of friction with some players.
That said, he’s walking into a Falcons team that seems ready to rally behind him-starting with quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Penix, who’s entering a pivotal year in his young NFL career, is optimistic about the new direction. “I’ve heard nothing but great things,” he said in an interview this week.
“I feel like he’s going to up our offense, take that next step that we need. We have the players to do it.”
That’s not just lip service. The Falcons have quietly assembled one of the league’s more intriguing offensive rosters.
Bijan Robinson has already established himself as one of the league’s elite running backs-explosive, versatile, and built to carry a heavy workload. Drake London has flashed the kind of talent that makes you wonder why he doesn’t get more national attention.
And then there’s Kyle Pitts, who, despite a slower development curve, still possesses the rare athleticism and mismatch potential that made him a top-five pick.
But as always in the NFL, it starts and ends with the quarterback. Penix had a tough 2025 campaign, completing just 60% of his passes and throwing for under 2,000 yards while missing time due to injuries.
The lefty signal-caller has yet to put together a full, healthy season that showcases the arm talent and poise he displayed in college. Through two seasons, the flashes have been there-but so have the growing pains.
That’s where Stefanski’s arrival becomes especially important. Known for crafting quarterback-friendly schemes and leaning into play-action and rhythm-based passing, Stefanski could be exactly what Penix needs to settle in and take the next step.
It’s worth noting that Penix has already had early conversations with Stefanski and new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, and the early vibe is positive. “Those guys are super excited for what we’re going to be able to do and accomplish,” Penix said.
There’s no sugarcoating it: this is a big year for both Stefanski and Penix. For the coach, it’s a chance to reestablish himself as one of the league’s top offensive minds.
For the quarterback, it’s an opportunity to prove he’s more than just a project. The tools are there.
The weapons are in place. Now it’s about execution-and health.
If Stefanski can unlock Penix’s potential and get this offense humming, the Falcons could be one of the NFL’s sleeper teams in 2026. That’s a big “if,” but it’s also a challenge this new coaching staff seems eager to embrace.