The Atlanta Falcons have undergone significant changes this offseason, with new coaching and front-office hires. One of whom is former Cleveland Browns head coach and 2x NFL Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski, who will lead the team.
Stefanski is taking over for Raheem Morris, who was recently let go by the franchise. Stefanski is known as a coach who fares well with quarterbacks, and his potential and or presumed starter, Michael Penix Jr., had some things to say about him.
Michael Penix Jr. Opens Up On His First Conversations With Kevin Stefanski
It was reported by Tori McElhaney of the official team site that while on Super Bowl Radio Row, Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. spoke to Kay Adams about the hire of Stefanski and what he brings to the table, and a phone call that they shared after Stefanski took the job.
“For me, I am a family-oriented guy, and I love my family and the people around me. He asked me about my family, and I was excited to hear him ask me about that, and it wasn’t just straight to football. He wanted to really get to know me as a person,” said the Falcons QB.
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He added about Stefanski’s offensive scheme as well, stating, “I hear nothing but great things about the offense. “I hear that this offense is going to bring the best out of me and allow me to play very good football, so I look forward to it.”
Falcons Quarterback Optimistic About Return From ACL Injury
While on Super Bowl Radio Row, Penix Jr. also talked to Kay Adams about his rehab and recovery from a torn ACL: “I am doing real good right now. I just met with my doctor (That Thursday in the time frame of Radio Row). We are starting to get things going. I am doing a lot of strengthening and stuff right now. I know I will be back and ready whenever the time comes.”
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Penix Jr. tore his ACL back in Week 11 of the 2025 regular season against the Carolina Panthers. The Falcons lost that game 30-27 in overtime. Quarterback Kirk Cousins stepped in and finished the rest of the game. The 25-year-old then had surgery sometime after that and was out for the rest of the season.
Given that the initial ACL recovery is about 9 months, Penix Jr. may be ready for the start of training camp or the 2026 regular season.
