ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The Atlanta Falcons will officially introduce the franchise’s 20th head coach at noon on Tuesday.
Earlier this month, Kevin Stefanski was hired to take over a team that has not had a winning record in eight NFL seasons.
Stefanski was the first major hire by new president of football – and Atlanta Falcons legend – Matt Ryan.
General manager Terry Fontenot and head coach Raheem Morris were fired hours after the Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints in the final game of the season.
The Falcons still have not hired a new general manager.
MORE FALCONS COVERAGE
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski arrives before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel)(Joshua A. Bickel | AP)
Stefanski takes over a team with bonafide NFL stars in running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London and defensive pillars such as Jalon Walker, James Pearce, Jr. and Xaiver Watts, but is also facing questions at arguably the game’s most important position: quarterback.
Michael Penix Jr., is coming off another torn-ACL surgery, and the team must figure out what to do with quarterback Kirk Cousins’ contract in the offseason.
Kevin Stefanski at a glance
Born: May 8, 1982, in Wayne, Pennsylvania (age 43)
Education:
High school: St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in PhiladelphiaCollege: University of Pennsylvania (2000-2004), where he played defensive back and was a 4-year starterNamed Quakers Freshman of the Year in 2000 and was an All-Ivy League selection in 2002Part of Penn’s only undefeated team of the decade
Coaching Career
Minnesota Vikings (2006-2019)
Started as an assistant coach in 2006Held various positions including quarterbacks coach, running backs coach, and tight ends coachServed as offensive coordinator (2019)Survived three coaching changes during his tenure
Cleveland Browns (2020-2025)
Hired on January 13, 2020Led the Browns to their first playoff appearance since 2002 in his inaugural season2× AP NFL Coach of the Year (2020 and 2023)Regular season record: 45-56 (.446)Playoff record: 1-2 (.333)Fired in January 2026 after the team posted an 8-26 record across the 2024-2025 seasons
Atlanta Falcons (2026-present)
Signed a five-year contract on January 17, 2026Reports to the team’s president of football operations, Matt Ryan
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