Michael Penix Jr. on Kevin Stefanski, His Comeback, and What’s Next for the Falcons Offense
There’s a new era taking shape in Atlanta, and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is right at the heart of it. With Kevin Stefanski stepping in as head coach following the Falcons’ front office overhaul in early January, Penix is looking to reset, recharge, and rise after a challenging rookie season cut short by injury.
Penix recently opened up about his first meeting with Stefanski, and it wasn’t just Xs and Os that made an impression. Speaking on Up & Adams, the young quarterback described a connection that went beyond football.
“It felt great,” Penix said. “For me, I’m a family-oriented guy… He asked me about my family, and I was excited to hear him ask me about that.
It wasn’t just straight to football. He wanted to really get to know me as a person.”
That kind of personal investment from a head coach can matter-especially for a young quarterback coming off a tough season. Stefanski, who most recently coached the Browns, is stepping into a Falcons locker room that’s been searching for stability under center.
And Penix? He’s ready to embrace the opportunity.
“I’m very excited,” Penix said of Stefanski’s offensive system. “I hear nothing but great things about the offense. I hear that this offense is going to bring the best out of me and allow me to play very good football, so I look forward to it.”
That’s a bold outlook, but it’s one that makes sense. Stefanski has a history of building quarterback-friendly offenses that emphasize rhythm, play-action, and high-percentage throws-tools that could help unlock Penix’s arm talent and mobility, assuming health is on his side.
The Comeback Trail
Of course, before any of that can happen, Penix has to get back on the field. His rookie season ended in November with a torn ACL-his third major knee injury. But if there’s any silver lining, it’s that he knows the road ahead.
“I’m doing real good right now,” Penix said. “I just met with my doctor… We are starting to get things going.
I’m doing a lot of strengthening and stuff right now. I know I’ll be back and ready whenever the time comes.”
This isn’t unfamiliar territory for Penix, who’s battled through injuries throughout his college and now early pro career. That experience, while frustrating, has also made him more prepared.
“I knew what to expect,” he added. “This is my third time going through it now, so I kind of knew how to attack the rehab process so that I can be better.”
Penix has his sights set on being ready for Week 1. That’s the target, and given his mindset and progress, it’s a realistic one. He finished his shortened 2025 campaign with 1,982 passing yards and nine touchdowns across nine games, going 3-6 as a starter before the injury.
Now, with a new coach, a new system, and a renewed sense of purpose, the 2024 first-round pick is hoping to finally show what he can do over a full season.
And Stefanski? After a rocky final year in Cleveland that saw his team go 5-12 and cycle through quarterbacks, he’s equally motivated to turn the page. If he and Penix can get on the same page-on and off the field-the Falcons might finally have the offensive identity they’ve been chasing for years.