Updated Jan. 17, 2026, 12:18 p.m. ET
The Atlanta Falcons are preparing to kick off their second round of head coach interviews. According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the team is meeting with former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski on Saturday. This will be the team’s second time talking to Stefanski, who’s considered a favorite for the job.
A two-time NFL Coach of the Year, Stefanksi went 45-56 over his six years in Cleveland and was fired after the 2025 season. Prior to joining the Browns, he worked his way up from an assistant QB coach with the Minnesota Vikings in 2009 to the offensive coordinator position in 2019.
He was hired by the Browns in 2020, going 11-5 and winning a playoff game in his first season. Stefanski likely wouldn’t change much on defense if he were to get the job in Atlanta. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Stefanski has been researching defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.
“Stefanski has done research on potentially working with Falcons DC Jeff Ulbrich in Atlanta, per sources,” Fowler wrote on social media. “Owner Arthur Blank would like to keep Ulbrich, who would be a top coordinator candidate on the market if available.”
The Falcons have interviewed nine total candidates so far, including Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and former Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Falcons completed head coach interviews | Jan. 17 (11 a.m. ET)Antonio Pierce (former Raiders HC)Jesse Minter (Chargers DC)Jeff Hafley (Packers DC)Mike McDaniel (former Dolphins HC)John Harbaugh (former Ravens HC)Kevin Stefanski (former Browns HC)Klint Kubiak (Seahawks OC)Anthony Weaver (Dolphins DC)Aden Durde (Seahawks DC)
-Follow the Falcons head coach and GM search with our interview tracker!
