The Falcons’ head coaching search is heating up, and one name is starting to separate from the pack: former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Atlanta has cast a wide net this offseason, interviewing a mix of current coordinators and experienced former head coaches. The list includes Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, Panthers DC Ejiro Evero, Packers DC Jeff Hafley, Chargers DC Jesse Minter, and Seahawks DC Aden Durde.
They've also spoken with former head coaches like Mike McDaniel, John Harbaugh, and Antonio Pierce, who is scheduled for an upcoming interview. Broncos DC Vance Joseph and 49ers DC Robert Saleh have also been requested for interviews.
But Stefanski is emerging as a frontrunner-and it’s not hard to see why.
At 43, Stefanski brings a deep well of experience and a steady hand from his time in Cleveland. He’s been one of the most in-demand candidates this cycle, already interviewing with the Dolphins, Ravens, Titans, Falcons, and Raiders. There’s also buzz that if he doesn’t land a head coaching gig, the Eagles are eyeing him for their offensive coordinator role-a sign that teams still see value in his offensive acumen.
Stefanski’s NFL journey began humbly in 2005 as an operations intern with the Eagles. A year later, he joined the Vikings and steadily climbed the ladder, serving in a variety of roles-tight ends coach, running backs coach, quarterbacks coach-before being named interim offensive coordinator. He eventually earned the full-time OC title before landing the Browns’ head coaching job in 2020.
His tenure in Cleveland had its highs and lows. Stefanski made an immediate splash, leading the Browns to an 11-win season and their first playoff victory in over two decades.
That performance earned him AP Coach of the Year honors in 2020. He would win the award again in 2023, another strong campaign that earned him a contract extension.
But the momentum didn’t last. The Browns stumbled to a combined 7-26 record over the next two seasons, prompting the team to move on after the 2025 campaign. Still, Stefanski’s overall record-43-54 with two playoff appearances-suggests a coach capable of building a program and navigating adversity.
For the Falcons, who are looking to stabilize and retool after a stretch of inconsistency, Stefanski offers a compelling mix of leadership, offensive expertise, and a proven ability to develop quarterbacks. His track record with the Vikings and Browns shows he can build a system around his personnel, and that adaptability could be exactly what Atlanta needs.
The Falcons have options, and they’re doing their homework. But if Stefanski is indeed the favorite, it’s because he brings more than just a resume-he brings a blueprint.