Key points:
- Kevin Stefanski becomes the 20th head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
- Stefanski previously led the Cleveland Browns, earning AP NFL Coach of the Year twice.
- Falcons leadership says it values Stefanski’s collaborative approach and commitment to player accountability.
- The organization is rebuilding after missing the playoffs for eight consecutive seasons.
The Atlanta Falcons announced Saturday night that Kevin Stefanski has been named the franchise’s 20th head coach following his second interview with team leadership at owner Arthur M. Blank’s residence.
Stefanski, 43, met with Falcons ownership and new president of football Matt Ryan before accepting the position. He replaces Raheem Morris, who was dismissed following consecutive 8-9 seasons in 2024 and 2025.
Proven track record
The former Cleveland Browns head coach compiled a 45-56 record over six seasons with the franchise, earning AP NFL Coach of the Year honors twice—in 2020 and 2023. Both awards came during playoff seasons when Cleveland finished 11-5 and 11-6, respectively.
Stefanski’s 2020 campaign marked a historic turnaround for the Browns, leading them to their first playoff appearance since 2002 and their first postseason victory since 1994. Under his leadership, Cleveland made two of the franchise’s three playoff appearances since the team returned to the city in 1999.
The Browns parted ways with Stefanski after the team struggled to an 8-26 record over the past two seasons, though his earlier success demonstrated his ability to build competitive programs from struggling situations.
Offensive philosophy
During his tenure in Cleveland, Stefanski established consistently strong rushing attacks, with his teams finishing in the top six in average rushing yards per game three times. His offensive system helped maximize roster talent and create balanced attacks that kept opposing defenses off-balance.
Prior to his head coaching opportunity, Stefanski spent 14 years with the Minnesota Vikings, rising from assistant to the head coach through various roles before becoming offensive coordinator. He worked under head coaches Brad Childress, Leslie Frazier and Mike Zimmer during his time in Minnesota, gaining valuable experience in different coaching philosophies and organizational structures.
Leadership style aligns with Ryan’s vision
Matt Ryan, the Falcons’ new president of football and former franchise quarterback, emphasized Stefanski’s collaborative approach and player-focused culture in announcing the hire.
“We’re thrilled to land a lead-by-example leader in Kevin Stefanski who brings a clear vision for his staff, our team and a closely aligned focus on building this team on fundamentals, toughness and active collaboration with every area of the football operation,” Ryan said. “Coach Stefanski is a team-first leader who puts a premium on accountability for everyone and a player-driven culture.”
Ryan highlighted Stefanski’s understanding of working cohesively with scouting and personnel departments, noting his experience collaborating across football operations to maximize roster talent and position players for success.
I’m beyond thrilled to be charged with leading this iconic franchise.
kevin stefanski
Challenge of rebuilding
Stefanksi expressed enthusiasm about leading the historic franchise and working with the existing roster talent.
“I’m beyond thrilled to be charged with leading this iconic franchise,” Stefanski said. “I am grateful to Mr. Blank and Matt Ryan for trusting me to coach this football team and there are many talented players on our roster that I cannot wait to coach. We share a vision for this football team that I believe will make Falcons fans everywhere proud.”
Stefanski said he will immediately begin assembling his coaching staff and building relationships throughout the organization.
Competitive Search Process
The Falcons conducted an extensive search before selecting Stefanski, interviewing seven candidates, including former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, offensive coordinators Klint Kubiak and Mike McDaniel, and defensive coordinators Anthony Weaver, Aden Durde, Jeff Hafley, and Jesse Minter.
Stefanski was the first candidate brought back for a second interview, signaling strong interest from Falcons leadership early in the process.
Organizational changes
The coaching change comes amid broader organizational restructuring following the dismissal of both Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot after the 2024 season. The Falcons created a new president of football position filled by Matt Ryan, who is leading the search for both a new head coach and general manager.
Atlanta faces significant challenges ahead, having missed the playoffs for eight consecutive seasons—the second-longest active drought in the NFL. The franchise has not posted a winning record since 2017, when they finished 10-6 under head coach Dan Quinn.
Before entering coaching, Stefanski played defensive back at the University of Pennsylvania from 2000 – 2004, earning All-Ivy League honors twice and Freshman of the Year recognition.
Stefanski and his wife, Michelle, both Philadelphia natives, have three children. He will report directly to Ryan in his new role with the Falcons.
Blank expressed confidence in Stefanski’s ability to elevate the team’s performance and work within the team’s newly restructured football operations.
We have found a coach with the right vision, focus, and demeanor to lead our team into the future.
Falcons owner arthur M. blank
“We have found a coach with the right vision, focus, and demeanor to lead our team into the future,” Blank said. “Our objective is to win games and contend for championships every year, and that is where our shared focus will remain. We are committed to putting all necessary support and resources around Coach Stefanski to achieve that success, and the work has already begun.”
The Falcons will continue their search for a general manager who will work alongside Stefanski and Ryan to rebuild the roster and end the franchise’s extended playoff drought.