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Mark Raimondi
atlanta falcons The club announced on Saturday night that it has appointed Kevin Stefanski as its new coach.
Stefanski, 43, went 45-56 in six seasons cleveland browns He was fired less than two weeks before that after going 8-26 over the past two seasons. He led Cleveland to the playoffs twice, in 2020 and 2023, with him being named NFL Coach of the Year in both seasons.
He replaces Raheem Morris, who was fired by the Falcons on January 4 after consecutive 8–9 seasons. Atlanta has not made the playoffs in eight seasons, the second-longest drought in the NFL. The Falcons have not had a winning record since 2017.
In addition to Morris’ dismissal, the Falcons fired general manager Terry Fontenot, a position still vacant.
Before the search for a coach and general manager began, Atlanta added a new position: president of football, which is filled by Matt Ryan, the team’s former quarterback for 14 seasons and the best player in franchise history. Ryan led the interviews of coaching candidates.
“We are thrilled to have a proven leader in Kevin Stefanski, who brings a clear vision to his staff, our team and a close focus on fundamentals, tenacity and active collaboration in every area of football operations in building this team,” Ryan said in a statement. “Coach Stefanski is a team-first leader who values accountability and a player-driven culture for everyone.”
Stefanski, as the new general manager, will report to Ryan.
The Falcons also interviewed John Harbaugh, Clint Kubiak, Mike McDaniel, Anthony Weaver, Aidan Durde, Jeff Hafley and Jesse Minter. Stefanski was the first candidate brought back for a second interview, which was held Saturday at the home of team owner Arthur Blank.
Stefanski climbed the ranks in Minnesota for 14 years vikings Before being hired by Cleveland in 2020. He overlapped with the Falcons quarterback cancer cousin In 2018 and 2019.
“I am thrilled to have the responsibility of leading this iconic franchise,” Stefanski said in a statement. “I am grateful to Mr. Blank and Matt Ryan for trusting me to coach this football team and we have many talented players on our roster who I cannot wait to coach. We share a vision for this football team and I believe it will make Falcons fans everywhere proud.”
Stefanski inherits a roster that includes four players who were named All-Pros in 2025. bijan robinson Was named first-team running back and second-team all-purpose player. tight end Kyle Pitts Sr.perfect keeper chris lindstrom and safety Jesse Bates III Each earned the respect of the other team.
But Stefanski also faced some uncertainty at quarterback. Shortly after signing Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal through 2024, the Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. In the first round of the NFL Draft. Cousins lost the starting job due to poor performance midway through the 2024 season. Penix finished his rookie season and began the 2025 campaign as the starter before leaving with a season-ending knee injury.
Cousins stepped in for the last nine games, leading the Falcons to a 5–4 record and four consecutive wins to end the season. Penix is expected to delay training camp for his recovery.
Stefanski has experienced quarterback uncertainty. The Browns had rotating quarterbacks during most of his tenure after trading away the former first overall pick Baker Mayfield and get deshaun watson. Joe Flacco, dillon gabriel And shadure sanders Each will begin operations in 2025.
“We will immediately get to work putting together a first-class coaching staff and work hard to get to know all the great people who are so important to getting all of us where we want to go,” Stefanski said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
