What the Falcons Are Saying About the Steelers

Stefanski, of course, served as the Cleveland Browns‘ head coach from 2020 through 2025. Needless to say, he is very familiar with the Steelers, and several Pittsburgh players are familiar with him. While both Stefanski and the Steelers have undergone significant changes, that familiarity remains heading into this Week 1 battle.

“Yeah, no shortage of tape because you have, you know, you have the Steelers, all of [2025.] You know, the Steelers have done a great job on offense, defense, and special teams over the years,” Stefanski said.

Coaching Staff

One of the biggest changes in Pittsburgh is its coaching staff. Mike McCarthy is now the head coach, and most of the assistants Stefanski coached against during his time in Cleveland are gone. However, Stefanski has spent nearly two decades in the NFL, giving him plenty of experience against different coaching staffs. He also has familiarity with several members of Pittsburgh’s veteran staff despite the Steelers’ sweeping changes.

“You have Coach McCarthy coming in with great success from Dallas days, from Green Bay days … Brian Angelico is the offense coordinator coming over from Minnesota who’s done a nice job. You got PG Patrick Graham coming from Las Vegas. He’s been in different stops over his career,” Stefanski said.

Personnel and Aaron Rodgers

The Steelers’ personnel provides another layer of familiarity. Pittsburgh retained many of its starters from 2025 and has several experienced players throughout the roster, a testament to the work of general manager Omar Khan and his front office. Stefanski highlighted that continuity while also acknowledging the resume quarterback Aaron Rodgers has built throughout his career.

“I know a lot of their players just from over the years, they have new players like all of us. All play, all teams do as you go year to year. But they have great players and they’ve got great players along the front and the back end, you know, on the perimeter on offense. Obviously, the [Aaron Rodgers] is one of the best to ever do it,” Stefanski said.