Updated Jan. 28, 2026, 2:56 p.m. ET
The Atlanta Falcons interviewed nine different candidates before naming Kevin Stefanski the 20th head coach in franchise history. The two-time NFL Coach of the Year winner was one of the top names available despite his lack of success with the Cleveland Browns over the last few seasons.
Stefanski won just eight total games during his final two years in Cleveland. For comparison, the Falcons fired head coach Raheem Morris after going 8-9 in back-to-back seasons (16-18 overall). However, the Browns front office’s lack of vision certainly played a role in the team’s shortcomings.
So while not everyone is on board the Stefanski train, many prominent NFL media members have given the move their stamp of approval. Count ESPN analysts Mina Kimes and Ben Solak among the believers in Atlanta’s new head coach.
Kimes praised the move, highlighting what Stefanski could potentially do for star running back Bijan Robinson’s career.
“So, when this news broke, my first take was like this is good news for the Falcons’ best player, Bijan Robinson. I like him in the Kevin Stefanski scheme. We saw Nick Chubb have, of course, great success in Cleveland,” said Kimes. “And also, it’s an offense that is very quarterback friendly.”
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
There is still some uncertainty regarding the future of the quarterback position in Atlanta, and while many assume that Kirk Cousins, who played for Stefanski in Minnesota, will be back next year, it seems more likely that Michael Penix Jr. will serve as QB1 for the Falcons next season.
Stefanski was introduced as head coach on Tuesday and said very little about Cousins. However, Atlanta’s new head coach sounded optimistic about Penix’s future.
“I will tell you, Michael is someone I’m very excited about,” said Stefanski. “And his rehab is what’s most important right now. I saw him in the training room this week. He’s — as you can imagine — attacking his rehab.”
When asked specifically what he likes about Penix, Stefanski didn’t hesitate to give an answer.
“I think you see a player on tape that can get through progressions, can layer the ball, can push the ball down the field,” Stefanski added.
Next up, the Falcons must hire a new general manager to replace Terry Fontenot. The team has interviewed six candidates, including Chicago Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham.
According to a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Cunningham has a second, in-person interview with Atlanta coming up this week.
-Follow along with each update using our Falcons GM Live Tracker!
