Falcons have hired a new head coach

The Atlanta Falcons have plucked one coach off the carousel.

The Falcons have hired Kevin Stefanski as their next head coach. The team announced the news on Saturday night and says the move came after Stefanski met with Falcons leadership, including team owner Arthur Blank.

Stefanski was hired by new Falcons president of football Matt Ryan, to whom the coach will report. Ryan, who is a Falcons legend as a former player, shared a statement about the hiring.

“We’re thrilled to land a lead-by-example leader in Kevin Stefanski who 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’s statement said. “Coach Stefanski is a team-first leader who puts a premium on accountability for everyone and a player-driven culture. His experience in Cleveland and Minnesota has given him a great understanding of the importance of working in sync with scouting, personnel and the rest of the football staff to maximize talent across the roster and in doing everything possible to put our players in the best position to succeed. Kevin’s style of leadership, combined with the staff and infrastructure in place here in Atlanta, gives us confidence in our shared vision for the team and we are excited to have him as the leader of our football team.”

Stefanski had been termed on Friday as a favorite for the job, and that report proved to be accurate. The 43-year-old Stefanski coached the Cleveland Browns for six seasons from 2020-2025. He led the team to the playoffs twice, and helped them make their first postseason appearance since 2002.

The Falcons have top offensive options in Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts and Drake London. Falcons fans are eager to see what Stefanski will be able to do with former first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback.