The head coaching carousel is spinning fast, and one name is right in the middle of it all: Kevin Stefanski. The former Browns head coach has become one of the hottest candidates in this year’s hiring cycle, and three teams-the Tennessee Titans, Atlanta Falcons, and Baltimore Ravens-are locked in a competitive race to land him.
Stefanski has already met with six teams during this process, including the Titans, Falcons, Ravens, Raiders, Dolphins, and Giants. But with the Giants reportedly zeroing in on former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, New York appears to be out of the running. That narrows the field and intensifies the focus on a trio of franchises all looking for a fresh start-and possibly their next long-term leader.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Stefanski is expected to enter the next phase of the interview process with multiple teams, likely as soon as next week. And while the Raiders and Dolphins haven’t been mentioned as part of that next wave, the Titans, Falcons, and Ravens are all very much in the mix.
Now, Stefanski’s tenure in Cleveland didn’t end the way anyone hoped, but let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture. He’s a two-time Coach of the Year who led the Browns to two playoff appearances in six seasons-no small feat for a franchise that’s struggled to find consistent footing for decades. He brought structure, an offensive identity, and a steady hand to a team that’s often been defined by instability.
The final stretch in Cleveland was rocky, no doubt. Injuries, a turbulent quarterback situation, and a depleted roster made it tough for Stefanski to keep the momentum going. But around the league, there’s still plenty of belief in his ability to build and lead a team-especially one with a young quarterback or a dynamic offense ready to take the next step.
And that’s where these three teams come into play.
In Baltimore, there’s a clear opportunity to maximize Lamar Jackson’s prime. The Ravens have a perennial MVP candidate at quarterback, but the offense hasn’t always clicked when it matters most. Stefanski’s track record with play-action, run-heavy schemes, and quarterback efficiency could be exactly what Jackson and the Ravens need to get over the hump.
Tennessee, on the other hand, is at the start of something new. With No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward waiting in the wings, the Titans are essentially offering Stefanski a blank canvas-plus the financial flexibility to build around their young signal-caller.
It’s a rare situation: a top-tier QB prospect, a clean slate, and a front office willing to spend. That’s not a bad setup for a coach who knows how to develop talent and install a system.
Then there’s Atlanta, where the foundation is already in place. Bijan Robinson and Drake London headline a young, explosive offense, and Michael Penix Jr. could be the answer under center. The Falcons have the pieces to compete right away, and Stefanski’s offensive mind could be the final touch that brings it all together.
Each of these teams offers a different kind of opportunity-Baltimore with its win-now window, Atlanta with its loaded skill group, and Tennessee with its long-term upside. Stefanski’s decision could come as soon as next week, after he completes his second round of interviews. Wherever he ends up, it’s clear he’ll be stepping into a situation with real potential.
The only question now: Which franchise will win the Stefanski sweepstakes?