All articles tagged with #stefanski
Falcons/NFL coach Kevin Stefanski refused to speculate on who will start at quarterback in Week 1 against the Steelers, saying he wants to evaluate Michael Penix in practice as he returns from ACL rehab while Tua Tagovailoa remains in camp competition; the Week 1 starter remains unresolved weeks before the season.
Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski said QB decisions won’t be set until a new general manager is hired and he can sit down with that GM and team president Matt Ryan to map the roster. He’s high on Michael Penix Jr.’s rehab and future, while Kirk Cousins is expected to be released; once a GM is in place, a new roster plan including a competing quarterback for Penix should emerge.
The piece argues Stefanski’s value isn’t captured by his win-loss record alone: he built a strong, analytics-informed offense around a punishing run game in Cleveland, developed quarterbacks under challenging circumstances, and adapted to disruptive roster moves. Those strengths—leadership, scheme versatility, and a proven ability to maximize talent—make him a promising fit for the Falcons beyond just the numbers on the board.
The Falcons’ new head coach Kevin Stefanski has spent 20 NFL seasons guiding talent with the Vikings and Browns, shaping notable players such as Kirk Cousins (Vikings 2018-19; OC in 2019; now under Falcons contract), Nick Chubb (Browns 2020-24; later with Texans), Baker Mayfield (Browns 2020-21; now with Buccaneers), Amari Cooper (Browns 2022-24; retired 2025) and Adam Thielen (Vikings 2014-22; retired 2025). The piece also notes honorable mentions like Joe Flacco, Dalvin Cook, Stefon Diggs, Kyle Rudolph and Joel Bitonio, highlighting Stefanski’s history of turning talent into production across his two NFL stops before joining Atlanta.
The Falcons are pursuing Kevin Stefanski for their opening, scheduling a second interview as the first candidate in this cycle to advance to a second sit-down. Stefanski has studied working with Atlanta DC Jeff Ulbrich, and could face other opportunities with the Ravens, Raiders, Dolphins and Titans, while Browns DC Jim Schwartz could be kept if Atlanta hires an offensive-minded coach.
As NFL teams enter the 2026 coaching market, buzz centers on Harbaugh and Stefanski as top targets, with a slate of openings shaping early discussions: the Cardinals may hire Vance Joseph amid GM-control questions; the Falcons could pursue Harbaugh for a fresh front office; the Ravens are reportedly eyeing Jesse Minter; the Browns are weighing Stefanski or Mike McDaniel while keeping defensive continuity; the Raiders are eyeing Klint Kubiak; the Dolphins are linked to Chris Shula; the Giants may circle back to Stefanski; and the Titans are considering Matt Nagy. With interviews already underway and several teams aiming to move quickly, the first hires could come soon.