The Atlanta Falcons appear set to hire former Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski as their next head coach, according to multiple reports.
Stefanski was one of eleven candidates interviewed for the role, which opened after the team abruptly parted ways with Raheem Morris just hours after the season concluded.
A Coaching Search With Big Names
The Falcons’ search attracted a number of high-profile coaches.
John Harbaugh, previously in the mix, ultimately agreed to take over the New York Giants.
Other candidates included former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, ex-Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce, and a variety of offensive and defensive coordinators.
With Stefanski emerging as the frontrunner, Atlanta is signaling a shift in leadership after finishing 8-9 last season and missing the playoffs.
Changes at the Top
The coaching shuffle doesn’t stop there.
In addition to Morris’ departure, the Falcons also fired general manager Terry Fontenot.
Together, these moves mark a major organizational reset as Atlanta looks to rebuild and compete in a tough NFC South division.
Stefanski’s Cleveland Legacy
Stefanski’s record with the Browns was mixed but memorable.
He took over Cleveland in 2020 after the team fired Freddie Kitchens following just one season.
In his first year, Stefanski led the Browns to an 11-5 record, a third-place finish in the AFC North, and their first playoff appearance since 2002.
That postseason included a historic win over the Pittsburgh Steelers—the franchise’s first playoff victory since 1994 and the first ever for the team since the original Cleveland Browns relocated to Baltimore.
Ups and Downs in the NFL
After that initial success, Stefanski faced challenges.
Cleveland missed the playoffs in 2021 and 2022, then returned to the postseason but lost to the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round.
He concluded his six-season tenure with a 45-56 record, finishing with the fourth-most wins in franchise history.
Despite uneven results, Stefanski earned two AP NFL Coach of the Year awards, placing him among a select group of Browns coaches to earn that honor.
A Fresh Start in Atlanta
Now Stefanski heads to Atlanta, tasked with turning around a Falcons team that struggled last year.
While his record shows ups and downs, his ability to revive a historically struggling franchise in Cleveland will likely be a key factor for Falcons management as they hope to build a competitive team in the coming seasons.
Looking Ahead
Atlanta fans can expect Stefanski to bring a methodical approach, likely emphasizing offense and quarterback development, hallmarks of his Cleveland tenure.
The official announcement is expected soon, and the Falcons will be looking for him to inject energy and discipline into a team eager to return to the playoffs.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn