Former Browns HC Kevin Stefanski takes over Falcons, expected to be added by CLE staff

The NFL ended the 2025 season with nine clubs firing their head coaches, including the Cleveland Browns. What is that, like just over 28% of head coaching positions? That seems like a lot. And that’s if no playoff team ever gets rid of their leaders like the Pittsburgh Steelers did.

Kevin Stefanski spent six seasons with the Browns. He won two NFL Coach of the Year awards, then lost 26 games in his final two seasons. The NFL is a “what have you done for me lately” entity. Stefanski went 45-56 in his six seasons with Cleveland, including two years in the playoffs, and appeared in three playoff games, going 1-2.

Already, the New York Football Giants have found their new head coach in John Harbaugh, who all nine franchises without a head coach wanted but either couldn’t come up with the funds he demanded or Harbaugh simply said “No, thanks” to their interview request.

Which goes to Stefanski, 43, the second most sought-after candidate this year. On Saturday, the Atlanta Falcons hired him as their new head coach on a five-year contract. According to sources, he was the first candidate to be called for a second interview. The Falcons fired coach Raheem Morris on January 4 after Atlanta finished 8-9-0 this year and also in 2024.

The Falcons had contacted and already interviewed Anthony Weaver, Mike McDaniel, Harbaugh, Klint Kubiak, Jeff Hafley, Jesse Minter and Aden Durde, as well as Stefanski. The second meeting with Stefanski took place at team owner Arthur Blank’s home with Matt Ryan, Josh Blank and CEO Greg Beadles, and then he offered the job.

Atlanta also fired general manager Terry Fontenot on the same day as Morris, a day before Black Monday. Recently, former Falcons quarterback great Matt Ryan was hired as the team’s president of football. It became known that Ryan would conduct all interviews with head coaches. He said it doesn’t matter whether the new coach is an offensive or defensive-minded individual, as long as he is a stable leader with exceptional character. And Stefanski is both.

In a statement from the Falcons, Ryan offered:

“We are excited to hire Kevin Stefanski, a leader who leads by example, who brings a clear vision for his staff, our team, and a tight focus on building this team on fundamentals, toughness and active collaboration with all areas of football operations. Coach Stefanski is a team leader who emphasizes individual accountability and a player-oriented culture.”

The Falcons have a young quarterback, Michael Penix, who needs additional development.

Usually, when a head coach is released, all of his assistant coaches are fired as well. Then, when the next newcomer comes along, he’ll bring in coaches he knows and has worked with. There is no official word yet on which coaches, if any, were with the Browns. Stefanski will hire as he adds to his team. Often, coaches will wait until the Senior Bowl, when almost everyone in the league comes together to look for work. OC Tommy Rees is reportedly following Stefanski:

Bill Callahan, former Cleveland OL coach was also connected to Stefanski’s new staff.

The Falcons currently have Jeff Ulbrich as their DC if Stefanski decides to retain his services.

Stefanski wasn’t Atlanta’s best candidate. That position was Harbaugh, as he was each team’s top target; However, the Falcons never had a chance against Harbaugh.

The Falcons have suspended their general manager search to snag the man they believe will change the franchise’s culture. Ryan was tasked with leading the head coach and general manager search once he was hired.

Stefanski will now face his former quarterback, Baker Mayfield, twice a year as Atlanta and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reside in the NFC South division.