Kevin Stefanski is drawing plenty of interest on the NFL coaching carousel, and for good reason. The former Browns head coach has already interviewed with six teams, including the Dolphins, Raiders, Giants, Ravens, Titans, and Falcons. And while nothing is set in stone just yet, the buzz around the league points to Tennessee, Atlanta, and Baltimore as the most likely landing spots.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Stefanski is expected to have second interviews with multiple teams next week. That’s a strong indicator that those three organizations-Titans, Falcons, and Ravens-are seriously considering him as their next head coach.
That’s not exactly encouraging news for the Raiders or Dolphins, who are both in the market for a steady, offensive-minded leader. Stefanski fits that mold. He’s known for his balanced offensive approach, his ability to develop quarterbacks, and his calm, measured leadership style-traits that could be invaluable to two franchises currently searching for direction.
Let’s start with Las Vegas. The Raiders finished with the league’s worst offense last season, and they’re heading into the offseason with major questions at quarterback.
There’s talk around the league that they could target Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza in the draft-though he hasn’t officially declared yet. If they do go that route, pairing a young quarterback with a coach like Stefanski would be a smart, stabilizing move.
Stefanski has a track record of getting the most out of his quarterbacks, and giving Mendoza a mentor like that from day one would be ideal.
But the reality is, Las Vegas might not be high on Stefanski’s list-and it’s not hard to see why. Despite having the No. 1 pick and significant cap space, the Raiders have cycled through head coaches at a dizzying pace in recent years. That kind of instability can be a red flag for a coach looking to build something sustainable.
Then there’s Miami. The Dolphins are in a tough spot, and it’s not just about their recent on-field struggles.
The quarterback situation is murky at best, with Tua Tagovailoa’s future still uncertain. There’s a financial cloud hanging over the franchise due to his contract situation, and that’s the kind of long-term complication that could give a coach like Stefanski pause.
Add in the fact that the roster needs significant work on both sides of the ball, and it’s clear this isn’t a quick fix.
Both the Raiders and Dolphins have appealing elements-Las Vegas has draft capital and financial flexibility, while Miami has talent and a recent playoff appearance on the résumé. But both also come with baggage. For a coach like Stefanski, who’s going to have options, the stability and roster potential in places like Tennessee, Atlanta, or Baltimore might simply be more attractive.
Things can change quickly in this league, and until Stefanski signs on the dotted line, there’s always a chance the Raiders or Dolphins make a late push. But as it stands now, don’t be surprised if he ends up elsewhere.