The Atlanta Falcons have found their next head coach. After conducting several interviews, the Falcons are hiring former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Stefanski was fired by Cleveland after six seasons and a 45-56 record. He will replace Raheem Morris, who was dismissed after just two seasons and a 16-18 mark, becoming the Falcons’ third head coach in four years.
According to SI’s Albert Breer, Stefanski had interviews lined up with the Tennessee Titans and Miami Dolphins following his meeting with Atlanta. However, a dinner at owner Arthur Blank’s home altered those plans.
“Tonight, the Falcons met with Kevin Stefanski for an hour-and-a-half at Arthur Blank’s house, then had dinner,” Breer reported. “Blank had planned a steak-and-potato bar and surprised everyone by cooking the rib-eyes himself. After they all ate, he offered Stefanski the job.”
Falcons president Greg Beadles, executive Josh Blank, and new president of football Matt Ryan were all present at Blank’s home when the offer was made.
Breer noted that the market for Stefanski was becoming increasingly competitive, which likely influenced Atlanta’s timing — especially with news that John Harbaugh had accepted the New York Giants’ head coaching job.
“Atlanta knew this would get competitive,” Breer wrote. “And they competed for Stefanski — who has Philly ties to Matt Ryan.”
While Falcons leadership appears confident in the decision, not everyone was sold on the hire.
Skip Bayless Believes Kevin Stefanski Will Be a Failure for Falcons
As expected, Skip Bayless weighed in Skip Bayless weighed in shortly after the hire and did not hold back.
“The Atlanta Falcons hiring Kevin Stefanski is a big mistake,” Bayless posted on X. “He’s overrated. Talks a good game with owners. Doesn’t connect with players. Arrogant, condescending. Now all that Falcons’ talent will be wasted.”
Unlike Bayless’ criticism, the broader perception around Stefanski — a two-time AP Coach of the Year — is that he was operating in a difficult situation in Cleveland, similar to many coaches before him.
The Browns have made just two playoff appearances in the past 23 years, both coming under Stefanski. Each of those seasons resulted in 11 wins, a feat Cleveland had not accomplished since 1994.
Once he became available, Stefanski quickly emerged as one of the most sought-after coaches in this hiring cycle. Sustained success in Cleveland has proven difficult. Then again, the same could be said for Atlanta.
Falcons Betting Experience Can Translate to Wins
Bayless did touch on one point that resonates — Atlanta’s roster has talent on both sides of the ball. With that foundation in place, the Falcons clearly valued experience in their next head coach.
According to Fox 5 Atlanta’s Miles Garrett Fox 5 Atlanta’s Miles Garrett, “Outside of Raheem Morris, Kevin Stefanski is the first Falcons head coach hire since Dan Reeves who had prior NFL head coaching experience.”
Morris previously spent three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2009-11 and later served 11 games as Atlanta’s interim coach after Dan Quinn was fired in 2020.
Stefanski expressed optimism about the opportunity shortly after being hired.
“I’m beyond thrilled to be charged with leading this iconic franchise,” Stefanski said, per ESPN’s Marc Raymond. “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.
“We share a vision for this football team that I believe will make Falcons fans everywhere proud. We will get to work immediately putting together a first-class coaching staff and working hard to get to know all the great people who are so important to getting us where we want to go.” to go.”
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