The Atlanta Falcons have taken a decisive step in reshaping their identity for the 2026 season, formally naming Kevin Stefanski as their next head coach.

The move, concluded Saturday night, marks a fresh start for a franchise coming off a pair of disappointing campaigns and seeking stability at the top of the sideline.

Stefanski, 43, most recently led the Cleveland Browns for six seasons before his dismissal late in the 2025 campaign.

Though his final two years with Cleveland were fraught with struggles, including a 3-14 finish followed by a 5-12 mark, Stefanski‘s broader rsum includes two playoff berths and two Associated Press Coach of the Year awards.

Unpacking the Falcons’ choice

The hire comes as Atlanta‘s leadership, now anchored by team president Matt Ryan, attempts to steer the organization in a new direction.

Ryan, who stepped into his current role following a significant overhaul of the Falcons‘ front office, praised Stefanski‘s comprehensive leadership style and alignment with the team’s culture goals.

“We’re thrilled to land a lead-by-example leader in Kevin Stefanski who brings a clear vision for his staff, our team and a closely aligned focus on building this team on fundamentals, toughness and active collaboration with every area of the football operation,” Ryan said in a statement.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Stefanski‘s fit within the broader vision for the franchise and confidence that the former Browns coach can guide the team toward sustained competitiveness.

Stefanski‘s first public remarks as Atlanta‘s head man struck a tone of excitement, gratitude and forward momentum. “I’m beyond thrilled to be charged with leading this iconic franchise,” he said.

“I am grateful to Mr. Blank and Matt Ryan for trusting me to coach this football team and there are many talented players on our roster that I cannot wait to coach.”

Atlanta‘s roster offers intriguing building blocks, including dynamic playmakers on both sides of the ball, but comes with glaring questions, most notably at quarterback.

The Falcons invested heavily in that position via the draft and free agency in recent seasons, bringing in Michael Penix Jr. as a first-round pick and signing veteran Kirk Cousins to a lucrative deal.

However, Penix‘s knee injury and Cousins‘ inconsistent play have left the position unsettled heading into Stefanski‘s tenure.

Stefanski will be leading a team filled with star power: running back Bijan Robinson earned first-team All-Pro honors, while tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., guard Chris Lindstrom, and safety Jessie Bates III each garnered second-team nods in 2025.

But balancing that talent against a lack of recent postseason success will be among his first tasks.

Before his time in Cleveland, Stefanski built his NFL coaching foundation with the Minnesota Vikings, serving in various capacities over 14 seasons, from assistant roles to offensive coordinator.

His ascension to head coach in Cleveland was seen as a culmination of years of offensive acumen and leadership development.