ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons have appointed Kevin Stefanski as the 20th head coach in franchise history, turning to the two-time NFL Coach of the Year to lead a reset after the club moved on from Raheem Morris at the end of the 2025 season.
The Falcons announced the hire late Saturday, saying Stefanski will report to the team’s president of football, former franchise quarterback Matt Ryan. Stefanski, 43, is reported to have agreed to a five-year contract.
Stefanski arrives in Atlanta less than two weeks after the Cleveland Browns dismissed him following a late-season downturn. He went 45-56 across six seasons in his first head-coaching role, reaching the playoffs twice and earning AP Coach of the Year honors in 2020 and 2023.
ESPN reported Stefanski’s second interview with Atlanta took place Saturday at the home of owner Arthur Blank, as the club accelerated its search after other top candidates came off the board.
In the Falcons’ announcement, the organization framed the hire as a leadership and culture decision as much as a schematic one, with Ryan citing Stefanski’s emphasis on accountability and collaboration across the football operation.
Atlanta’s coaching change follows broader front-office upheaval. The Falcons dismissed Morris despite a late-season surge, and ESPN reported earlier this month that general manager Terry Fontenot was also fired as part of the overhaul.
Stefanski is expected to inherit a roster built around second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and skill-position talent that includes running back Bijan Robinson and tight end Kyle Pitts, as the Falcons seek offensive stability and a clearer identity. Analysts have noted Stefanski’s track record in building productive run games and quarterback-friendly structures, though his recent Cleveland seasons also raised questions about in-game adjustments and offensive consistency.
