The Atlanta Falcons made some interesting hires, including former MVP quarterback Matt Ryan as their president of football operations. Another one to note is the hiring of a former Cleveland Browns head coach to lead the Falcons in 2026. Stefanski is a former 2x NFL Coach of the Year and is regarded as a good offensive mind.
Stefanski Introductory Press Conference
Stefanski and the Atlanta Falcons had their introductory press conference on Tuesday, Jan. 27th. Former Falcons quarterback and President of Football Matt Ryan spoke on hiring Stefanski and his being part of the organization on Tuesday, saying, “With Kevin, we land a head coach who’s accomplished a lot, a two-time NFL coach of the year. We also get someone who’s hungry, highly motivated, resilient, with a lot to prove. We’re so excited to welcome Kevin Stefanski as the Atlanta Falcons’ head coach.”
Stefanski said, “Atlanta is where I wanted to be. I wanted to be here. There was a pull to this job and pull to this city.”
Stefanski is replacing Raheem Morris in Atlanta after Morris went 16-18 at the helm. The Falcons went 8-9 and finished third in the NFC South. Atlanta did win its last four games consecutively, but it decided to go in another direction with Stefanski. Stefanski is inheriting a team with a lot of talent, including running back Bijan Robinson, wide receiver Drake London, tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., edge rusher James Pearce Jr., and linebacker Jalon Walker.
He will also be tasked with assessing the quarterback situation of Kirk Cousins and former first-round pick Michael Penix Jr., who was selected eighth overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. In the 2025 season, Penix Jr. threw for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions before tearing his ACL in Week 11 against the Carolina Panthers.
Cousins threw for 1,721 yards and 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. But he did have a game-winning drive against Tampa Bay in Week 15 on Thursday Night Football.
Stefanski Speaks On Cousins and Penix Jr.
It was reported by Terrin Waack of the official team site that Kevin Stefanski spoke on the quarterback situation, saying,
“Obviously, Michael is someone I’m very excited about. 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.
“Then, when it comes to Kirk, I obviously have a previous relationship with Kirk. But I don’t know if it’s time yet to talk about all the positions and those kinds of things. Those types of conversations will come in due time.”
Penix Jr. is still recovering from the ACL injury, so that may prompt them to start Cousins at the beginning of the season if Penix Jr. isn’t healthy enough to go.
