The Tennessee Titans are officially on the clock in the NFL's head coaching carousel, and while John Harbaugh's move to the New York Giants isn't finalized yet, the dominoes are already starting to fall. For Tennessee, the focus now shifts from splashy names to sustainable leadership - someone who can build around a franchise quarterback and set the tone for the next era of Titans football.
One name that’s been firmly in the mix is Kevin Stefanski. The Titans already completed a first-round interview with him and had a second one lined up.
But now, there’s a twist: according to a report from Adam Schefter, the Atlanta Falcons have jumped the line. They’ve moved up their second interview with Stefanski, putting it ahead of Tennessee’s scheduled meeting.
That move is more than just a scheduling shuffle - it’s a calculated play by Atlanta. In a coaching cycle where timing and first impressions can be everything, the Falcons now have the opportunity to make their pitch to Stefanski before the Titans even get back in the room with him. It’s a bold move, and one that could carry real consequences for Tennessee’s search.
Here’s why this matters: Stefanski is a strong candidate. He’s a steady, offensive-minded coach who’s shown he can scheme with the best of them.
His time in Cleveland was marred by instability at quarterback, but the coaching chops were never in question. In Tennessee, he’d have a much more stable setup under center with Ward - a young passer the franchise believes in.
But Atlanta isn’t without its own appeal. Yes, the Falcons are coming off a full reset after cleaning house, but they’ve got some immediate offensive firepower on the roster - the kind of playmakers who can make a coach’s job easier from Day 1. If Stefanski sees a clearer path to quick success in Atlanta, that could tilt the scales.
This is the part of the hiring cycle where things start to heat up. Teams have done their homework, narrowed their lists, and now it’s about closing.
For the Titans, that means they may need to accelerate their process to avoid missing out on one of their top targets. Stefanski isn’t the only viable option out there, but he represents a blend of experience, offensive vision, and leadership that fits what Tennessee is looking for.
The Titans have to ask themselves: can they afford to wait? Because right now, Atlanta is making moves - and Tennessee might be at risk of watching one of their top choices slip away.