Stefanski, a two-time Associated Press Coach of the Year, was fired by the Browns following the conclusion of the 2025 season. He went 45-56 in six seasons with two playoff appearances, including the franchise’s first since 2002 in 2020, his first season. In the six years before Stefanski’s arrival, Cleveland had an NFL-worst 24-71-1 record under four coaches (including interim).
The Falcons aren’t in nearly as bad of a place, although uncertainty surrounding quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who underwent season-ending knee surgery in November 2025, raises some concern. Backup Kirk Cousins has familiarity with Stefanski from their time shared together with the Minnesota Vikings (2018-19), although a recent decision to modify his contract — guaranteeing $67.9M for 2027 if he’s on the roster on Mar. 13 — must be altered again to keep him.
ESPN NFL insider Field Yates noted the two sides “could agree to another amended deal,” and hiring Stefanski might improve the chances of that happening.
After whiffing on John Harbaugh, who interviewed virtually for the role but never met in-person with Falcons brass, the stakes have raised for Atlanta to seal a deal with Stefanski. It wouldn’t be accelerating a second interview without feeling strongly about him, making the next 24 hours crucial in the search. If Stefanski leaves the building without a contract, the Titans or another team could snatch him, setting the Falcons on a path to door No. 3.
That would put the team in a rough spot, not only by missing out on perhaps the two best candidates this cycle but also revealing to others that they’re the fallbacks to the fallback option. Good luck selling that to a fanbase waiting for the team’s first playoff berth since 2017.
Stefanski might be the perfect fit in Atlanta. His best offenses have prioritized the run. In seven seasons as an offensive coordinator or head coach, Stefanski’s offenses have ranked in the top 10 in rush attempts five times and top 10 in pass attempts just twice.
It’s easy to understand why that sort of scheme would appeal to the Falcons, who roster one of the league’s most dynamic running backs, 2023 first-rounder Bijan Robinson. He received first-team All-Pro honors for the first time in his career this season while accounting for a league-high 2,298 yards from scrimmage, including 1,478 rushing.
Among the available coaches, Stefanski could be the best at taking advantage of the team’s strengths. The Falcons have made it clear their feelings for Stefanski. They better hope he feels the same.