The Atlanta Falcons didn’t waste much time reshaping their future.
Just hours after the season wrapped, the franchise pulled the plug on Raheem Morris, and now the next chapter has officially begun.
Former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is heading south, taking over as Atlanta’s new man in charge.
It’s a move that signals a clear reset — not just on the sidelines, but across the entire football operation.
A Crowded Coaching Search Ends with Stefanski
Atlanta cast a wide net before settling on Stefanski.
In total, the Falcons interviewed eleven candidates, ranging from experienced head coaches to rising coordinators on both sides of the ball.
Among the names in the mix were former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, ex-Raiders boss Antonio Pierce, and multiple offensive and defensive minds around the league.
Another major candidate, John Harbaugh, ultimately came off the board when he agreed to take the New York Giants job before Atlanta could finalize its decision.
In the end, the Falcons landed on Stefanski as the leader they believe can bring stability — and credibility — to a team stuck in neutral.
Matt Ryan Sets the Tone from the Top
The hire also marks one of the first major moves under Atlanta’s new front-office structure.
Franchise legend Matt Ryan, recently named President of Football, played a central role in the decision and made no effort to hide his enthusiasm.
“We’re thrilled to land a lead-by-example leader in Kevin Stefanski,” Ryan said.
“He 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 also emphasized Stefanski’s reputation as a coach who prioritizes accountability and locker-room buy-in, describing him as a “team-first leader” committed to a player-driven culture.
Stefanski Embraces the Challenge
For his part, Stefanski sounded eager — and energized — about the opportunity ahead.
He called the Falcons an “iconic franchise” and said he was “beyond thrilled” to take on the responsibility of leading the team forward.
Stefanski added that assembling a top-tier coaching staff is already a priority, along with building relationships throughout the organization.
There’s no honeymoon period here.
Atlanta expects work to begin immediately.
A Team That Came Close but Fell Short
Stefanski inherits a Falcons squad that finished 8–9 last season, narrowly missing the playoffs.
The record told a familiar story — flashes of promise mixed with missed chances — and ultimately cost Morris his job.
Atlanta also cleaned house beyond the coaching staff, parting ways with general manager Terry Fontenot in the same shake-up.
A replacement has yet to be named, leaving Stefanski and Ryan with a significant voice in shaping what comes next.
Revisiting Stefanski’s Cleveland Résumé
Stefanski’s track record is complicated, but not without bright spots.
He arrived in Cleveland ahead of the 2020 season after the Browns dismissed Freddie Kitchens following just one year.
Right away, Stefanski delivered.
In his first season, Cleveland went 11–5, finished third in the AFC North, and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2002.
That postseason run included a statement win over the rival Pittsburgh Steelers — the franchise’s first playoff victory since 1994 and the first since the original Browns moved to Baltimore.
The run ended a week later with a loss to the eventual AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round.
Highs, Lows, and a Mixed Final Record
The seasons that followed were uneven.
Cleveland missed the playoffs in 2021 and 2022, then rebounded with a second-place AFC North finish and another playoff appearance.
That run ended quickly, though, with a Wild Card loss to the Houston Texans.
Back-to-back losing seasons followed, and Stefanski was ultimately let go after six years.
He finished his Browns tenure with a 45–56 record, but still ranked fourth all-time in franchise wins — no small feat for one of the NFL’s most historically troubled teams.
Awards That Still Carry Weight
Despite the ups and downs, Stefanski’s work in Cleveland didn’t go unnoticed.
He won AP NFL Coach of the Year twice, making him one of just five head coaches in Browns history to earn the honor.
Those accolades are part of what made Atlanta believe he could replicate his early success in a new environment.
What Comes Next for the Falcons
With Stefanski now in place and Matt Ryan overseeing football operations, Atlanta’s rebuild has a clear direction — even if the full picture isn’t finished yet.
The general manager role remains vacant, and roster decisions loom large in the coming months.
The big question, though, hangs over everything.
Can Kevin Stefanski be the coach who finally turns the Falcons into legitimate playoff contenders?
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