Life moves fast in the NFL, and nowhere is that more evident right now than in Atlanta. Just a few weeks ago, it felt like a safe bet that Dwayne Ledford would be back coaching the Falcons’ offensive line in 2026. But with the hiring of Kevin Stefanski as head coach, that continuity came to a sudden halt.
Instead of keeping Ledford - a coach who’s earned a lot of respect inside the Falcons’ locker room - Stefanski is bringing in a familiar face: longtime offensive line guru Bill Callahan. And while Callahan’s résumé speaks for itself, the move hasn’t exactly been met with open arms by everyone in Atlanta. Just ask Matthew Bergeron.
The Falcons’ young guard didn’t mince words - or rather, letters - when reacting to the news on social media. His tweet simply read: *“Smh.”
- That’s not just a casual shrug. For a player who’s spent his entire NFL career under Ledford’s guidance, it’s a clear sign of disappointment.
And honestly, it’s understandable.
Ledford has been with the Falcons since 2021, and during that time, he’s quietly built a reputation as one of the league’s better offensive line developers. His work hasn’t always made headlines, but the results are undeniable.
Chris Lindstrom blossomed into one of the top guards in the NFL under his watch. Kaleb McGary, once considered a question mark, turned into a reliable starter.
And Bergeron himself - a 2023 second-round pick out of Syracuse - has shown real growth in just a few short years.
But what really sets Ledford apart is what he did with less-heralded names. When center Drew Dalman went down, Ryan Neuzil stepped in and held his own - a testament to Ledford’s ability to prepare his depth players.
Even Elijah Wilkinson looked serviceable when called upon, and that’s no small feat. When you’re turning backups and practice squad players into viable starters, that’s coaching impact at its core.
So yeah, Bergeron’s frustration is more than just personal loyalty. It’s rooted in the kind of development and trust that players crave, especially in the trenches where chemistry and technique are everything.
That said, this isn’t a downgrade - it’s just a major shift.
Bill Callahan is one of the most respected offensive line coaches in football. He’s been around the league for decades and has worked with some of the best to ever do it in the trenches.
His arrival signals a potential philosophical change in Atlanta’s approach up front. Under Ledford, the Falcons leaned on more agile, athletic linemen.
Callahan’s history suggests a pivot toward size and physicality - a more brute-force style that could reshape how Atlanta builds its offensive front.
There’s also the Stefanski-Callahan connection to consider. The two worked together in Cleveland, where the Browns consistently fielded one of the league’s better offensive lines. That familiarity likely played a role in Stefanski’s decision, and it points to a clear vision for what he wants this Falcons offense to look like.
Still, it’s hard to ignore what Atlanta is losing in Ledford. His ability to mold talent, connect with players, and adapt to personnel made him a valuable piece of the Falcons’ staff. And with multiple teams likely to pursue him this offseason, his absence will be felt.
For Bergeron and the rest of the offensive line, the challenge now is adjusting to a new voice and a new system. But if Callahan’s track record is any indication, the development won’t stop - it’ll just take a different shape.
Change is never easy, especially when it means saying goodbye to a coach who helped shape your early career. But in the NFL, evolution is constant. And for the Falcons, this is the next chapter in that process.