Updated Jan. 17, 2026, 9:59 p.m. ET
After a thorough search, the Atlanta Falcons are hiring Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach. A two-time NFL Coach of the Year winner, Stefanski was among the most sought after candidates in the 2026 hiring cycle.
The Falcons hosted Stefanski for a second interview on Saturday before naming him the 20th head coach in franchise history. In terms of experience, Atlanta couldn’t have done much better with this hire.
Over his six years as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, Stefanski led the team to an overall record of 45-56. A bright offensive mind, Stefanski worked his way up from an assistant quarterbacks coach for the Minnesota Vikings in 2009 to become the team’s offensive coordinator in 2019.
One year later, Stefanski was hired by the Browns and led the team to an 11-5 record and playoff win in his first season. Things got messy after the team traded for Deshaun Watson, which Stefanski reportedly wasn’t on board with. After posting back-to-back losing seasons in 2021 and 2022, the Browns bounced back with another 11-win season in 2023.
For the Falcons, this hire is all about developing and maximizing the team’s offensive talent. That includes quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who is expected to be ready in time for the start of the 2026 NFL season.
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Atlanta fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot following the 2025 season finale. Morris went 16-18 over his two years as Atlanta’s head coach, finishing 8-9 in both seasons. While the Falcons improved in some areas under Morris, they ultimately failed to take that next step.
The team hired Matt Ryan as the president of football. Ryan expected to work closely with both the new head coach and general manager to put the best product on the field.
Next up, the Falcons must hire their next general manager.
