Who is Kevin Stefanski? All you need to know about Falcons new head coach

Two times NFL Coach of the Year award winner Kevin Stefanski, has been named the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. This is a big step in the team's rebuilding process under new football leadership.

Kevin Stefanski’s coaching journey

Kevin Stefanski is coming to Atlanta after a long and busy coaching career. Most recently, he was the head coach of the Cleveland Browns for six seasons. He had a good run in Cleveland, especially in 2020 and 2023 when he received the NFL Coach of the Year award from the Associated Press.

He developed his reputation with the Minnesota Vikings before becoming a head coach. He worked there for 14 years in several jobs, slowly moving up the ranks and earning recognition as an offensive-minded coach who knew a lot about how to prepare a club and how to structure it.

Why the Falcons picked Kevin Stefanski

The Falcons anticipate Stefanski will bring stability and clarity after a bad season in 2025. Since the team didn't make the playoffs, they understood they had to modify some things. Stefanski's calm leadership style, focus on the basics, and ability to work with players of all ages were all major factors in the choice.The hiring is also a big step for Matt Ryan who is the president of football for the Falcons, he was heavily involved in the process.

Ryan complimented Stefanski for being able to create player-first environments and work closely with scouting and football operations.

Stefanski is known for his balanced approach to offense. His team in Cleveland generally relied on a strong rushing game and smart play-calling to keep quarterbacks safe. His worldview is based on discipline, responsibility, and working together.Stefanski's last two years with the Browns weren't great, but a lot of people in the league still think he can be a terrific coach if he has the right support and structure for a long time.

He was also a two-time All-Ivy League pick as a defensive back for the University of Pennsylvania, where he played college football. He is married to Michelle Stefanski, and they have three kids together. The family doesn't like being in the public eye and wants to keep their personal lives private.Stefanski's first job will be to put together his coaching team and look over the Falcons' roster. Fans in Atlanta will be hopeful that his experience will lead to regular results and, eventually, postseason football.The Falcons are confident that Kevin Stefanski's calm leadership and proven track record will help the team become more competitive in the future.