Kevin Stefanski is officially in high demand this hiring cycle, and the race to land the former Browns head coach is heating up fast.
The Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans, and Atlanta Falcons are all firmly in the mix, but right now, Atlanta appears to be making the strongest push. According to multiple reports, Stefanski is set to take second interviews with all three teams. But the Falcons are getting the first crack - and that could be telling.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Atlanta is kicking off its second round of head coaching interviews by bringing Stefanski to town. Notably, he’s the first candidate they’ve invited back for a second meeting.
That detail matters. It’s often a sign a team sees a particular coach as a top priority, and in this case, Stefanski might be sitting at the top of the Falcons’ board.
There’s more smoke pointing in that direction. SNY’s Connor Hughes has reported that Stefanski is viewed as the front-runner for the Falcons job, and The Athletic’s Dianna Russini added another intriguing layer: Stefanski has reportedly been working behind the scenes to assemble a potential coaching staff to present to Atlanta. That’s not something a coach typically does unless there’s serious mutual interest.
So what does this mean for the Ravens and Titans? Well, they might be on the outside looking in if Atlanta moves quickly.
The Falcons have already satisfied the Rooney Rule requirements, which means they’re free to make a hire at any time. If Stefanski impresses in this second interview - and if the interest is as strong as it seems - there’s a real possibility the Falcons won’t let him leave the building without a contract.
This is a pivotal moment for all three franchises. Stefanski, who led the Browns to a playoff win in his first season and helped navigate several quarterback injuries in Cleveland, is one of the more experienced and respected candidates available. His offensive background and steady leadership make him an appealing option for teams looking to stabilize and elevate their programs.
For Atlanta, a team with offensive weapons and a defense that showed signs of life this past season, Stefanski could be the kind of coach who brings structure and identity. For Baltimore and Tennessee, the clock is ticking. If Stefanski’s second meeting in Atlanta goes well, the Falcons might just shut the door on the rest of the competition.