The Falcons are in the thick of their head coaching search, and all signs point to Kevin Stefanski being their top target. After missing out on John Harbaugh-who interviewed virtually but never made the trip to Atlanta-the pressure is on to land Stefanski before another team jumps in. And make no mistake: there are other suitors waiting in the wings.
Stefanski, a two-time AP Coach of the Year, was let go by the Browns after six seasons at the helm. His tenure in Cleveland ended with a 45-56 record, but that number doesn’t tell the whole story.
He inherited a franchise that had posted an NFL-worst 24-71-1 record over the six seasons before his arrival, cycling through four different head coaches. In his very first year, Stefanski led the Browns to their first playoff appearance since 2002.
That kind of turnaround doesn’t happen by accident.
Now, Atlanta is hoping he can bring that same stabilizing presence to a franchise that hasn’t seen the postseason since 2017. The Falcons aren’t in the same dire shape Cleveland was back then, but they’re still in need of direction-especially at quarterback.
That’s where things get complicated. Rookie Michael Penix Jr. showed flashes of promise before a season-ending knee injury in November 2025 put his future in question.
Behind him is veteran Kirk Cousins, who has a history with Stefanski from their time together in Minnesota. That familiarity could be a major factor in keeping Cousins around-especially given the financial gymnastics the Falcons will need to pull off to make it happen.
Cousins' current deal guarantees him $67.9 million for 2027 if he's still on the roster come March 13. That number is unsustainable as it stands, but there’s room for negotiation.
ESPN’s Field Yates reported that the two sides could work out a restructured deal, and Stefanski’s arrival might just be the leverage the Falcons need.
Atlanta clearly sees Stefanski as more than just a fallback. They're pushing for a second interview, and you don’t accelerate that process unless you're ready to make a move.
The next 24 hours could be pivotal. If Stefanski walks out of the building without a contract, the Titans-or another team in need of a head coach-might not wait long to pounce.
That would leave the Falcons looking at Plan C, and that’s not a great place to be when you're trying to reenergize a fanbase that’s been waiting nearly a decade for playoff football.
From a football standpoint, Stefanski makes a lot of sense in Atlanta. His offenses have consistently leaned on the run game, and that identity fits perfectly with the Falcons’ personnel.
In seven seasons as either a head coach or offensive coordinator, Stefanski’s units have finished in the top 10 in rushing attempts five times. By contrast, they’ve ranked in the top 10 in pass attempts just twice.
He knows what he wants to do, and he builds his scheme around it.
That approach could be tailor-made for Bijan Robinson, who just capped off a breakout season with first-team All-Pro honors. The 2023 first-round pick led the league with 2,298 yards from scrimmage, including 1,478 on the ground.
He’s a dynamic playmaker who thrives with volume, and Stefanski has a track record of feeding his best players. That’s a pairing that should have Falcons fans excited.
Ultimately, this comes down to fit-and Stefanski checks a lot of boxes. He’s a proven leader, a run-game aficionado, and a coach who’s shown he can turn around a struggling franchise.
Atlanta has made it clear they want him. Now they just need to close the deal before someone else does.