Updated Jan. 19, 2026, 8:44 p.m. ET

Matt Ryan made his first big decision as the Atlanta Falcons president of football over the weekend, naming Kevin Stefanski the 20th head coach in franchise history. Many praised the move, and considering there are eight other head coaching vacancies around the league, the timing felt right.

The Falcons can now get a head start on filling out Stefanski’s coaching staff while the other teams continue to go through the interview process. Stefanski has already made one major hire, and the team has been linked to a few other assistant coaches.

In our latest Falcons news recap, three players receive awards, we look at what NFL analysts are saying about the Stefanski hire, and examine the latest coaching updates and rumors.

Falcons to introduce head coach Kevin Stefanski next Tuesday

The Falcons will introduce Kevin Stefanski as the 20th head coach in franchise history next week on Tuesday, January 27, the team announced. President of football Matt Ryan and owner Arthur Blank will hold a joint press conference with Stefanski at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It will be interesting to see what Stefanski has to say about the quarterback position, including Michael Penix Jr.’s future in Atlanta.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Falcons retain defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich

As expected, the Atlanta Falcons are retaining Jeff Ulbrich as their defensive coordinator in 2026. Alanta’s defense finished second in the NFL with 57 total sacks last season, setting a new franchise record in the process. This was a massive improvement for a team that finished 31st in the league last year with just 31 sacks. Aside from the sack numbers, the Falcons received major contributions from their rookies. | READ

ESPN gives Falcons B+ grade for hiring Kevin Stefanski

The Falcons landed Stefanski, who, despite his recent struggles in Cleveland, was considered one of the top head coaches available. ESPN’s Ben Solak broke down the hire in a new feature, giving Atlanta a B+ grade:

The tools in the toolbox were never great with the Browns, and the Falcons are betting that Stefanski’s reputation as a strong offensive mind will bear more fruit in Atlanta, where Drake London, Robinson and (potentially) Kyle Pitts Sr. represent the best offensive group Stefanski has ever worked with. Hiring head coaches immediately after they were let go elsewhere can be a risky option — at times, those coaches are just burned out — but I’d bet Stefanski has plenty to prove given how things unfolded in Cleveland — Ben Solak, ESPN.

Yahoo Sports give Falcons an A grade for Stefanski hire

Yahoo Sports was even higher on the Falcons’ hiring of Stefanski than ESPN, giving Atlanta an A grade for the move. Yahoo Sports’ Frank Schwab felt it was an ideal fit for both the Falcons and Stefanski:

NFL Coach of the Year might be a flawed award, but Stefanski has two of them. It’s rare that a coach like that is available, and the Falcons saw an opportunity. Stefanski and the Falcons still has a quarterback situation to work through, but he’s used to that after his seasons with the Browns. Stefanski steps into a situation with a talented team in a bad division. And he should be able to elevate the Falcons right away. — Frank Schwab, Yahoo Sports.

Falcons to hire Tommy Rees at offensive coordinator?

According to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Falcons are expected to hire Tommy Rees as offensive coordinator. “His staff is already coming together,” said Rapoport on Sunday. “Jeff Ulbrich is going to stay on as defensive coordinator. Tommy Rees likely to be OC. He was with [Stefanski] in Cleveland.”

Rees spent two years with Stefanski as an offensive assistant in 2024 before taking over as offensive coordinator in 2025. The Browns offense finished in the bottom five in both yards and points scored last season, but Rees had prior success as an offensive coordinator at Alabama and Notre Dame.

Falcons to hire Bill Callahan as offensive line coach?

It was also reported that Stefanski will bring in Bill Callahan as Atlanta’s new offensive line coach. While nothing is official just yet, the addition of Callahan would likely mean the end of run game coordinator/offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford’s time in Atlanta. Callahan spent the last two years as the Tennessee Titans offensive line coach and held the same role in Cleveland under Stefanski from 2020-2023.| READ

Three Falcons make PFWA All-NFC Team

The Pro Football Writers of America named three Falcons players to their All-NFC Team. Running back Bijan Robinson, right guard Chris Lindstrom and rookie safety Xavier Watts were Atlanta’s three PFWA representatives. One could argue that rookie edge rusher James Pearce Jr. also deserved a spot, but there were many good pass rushers to choose from. While it isn’t exactly the All-Pro Team, the PFWA All-NFC Team is still an impressive honor.