The Atlanta Falcons have their next head coach

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Two-time Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski was named the 20th head coach in franchise history Saturday night following meetings in Atlanta with Falcons leadership, including Owner and Chairman Arthur M. Blank. Stefanski succeeds Raheem Morris, who was not retained following the conclusion of the 2025 season, and will report directly to Falcons President of Football Matt Ryan.

Stefanski arrives in Atlanta with a proven résumé, most recently serving as head coach of the Cleveland Browns after a long tenure with the Minnesota Vikings. At 43 years old, he brings experience, structure, and a track record of building competitive teams in demanding environments.

“We’re thrilled to land a lead-by-example leader in Kevin Stefanski,” Ryan said. “He brings a clear vision for his staff, our team and a closely aligned focus on building this team on fundamentals, toughness and collaboration across the football operation. Kevin is a team-first leader who puts a premium on accountability and a player-driven culture.”

Stefanski earned AP Coach of the Year honors in both 2020 and 2023. In 2020, he guided Cleveland to an 11-5 record, the franchise’s first playoff appearance since 2002 and its first postseason win since 1994. He followed that with another 11-win campaign in 2023, leading the Browns back to the playoffs. Under his leadership, Cleveland reached the postseason twice—accounting for two of the franchise’s three playoff appearances since returning to the league.

During his time in Cleveland, Stefanski’s teams were consistently among the NFL’s most effective rushing attacks, finishing in the top six in average rushing yards per game three times. He compiled a 45-56 overall record as head coach.

“I’m beyond thrilled to be charged with leading this iconic franchise,” Stefanski said. “I’m grateful to Mr. Blank and Matt Ryan for trusting me with this opportunity. There are talented players on this roster, and we share a vision that I believe will make Falcons fans proud. We’ll get to work immediately—building a first-class staff and investing in the relationships that matter to winning.”

Before becoming a head coach, Stefanski spent 14 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, working his way from assistant to offensive coordinator under Brad Childress, Leslie Frazier and Mike Zimmer. His time in Minnesota helped shape his offensive philosophy and reinforced the importance of alignment between coaching, personnel and scouting.

Falcons leadership believes that experience will translate well in Atlanta.

“In Kevin Stefanski, we have found a coach with the right vision, focus and demeanor to lead this team into the future,” Blank said. “From our research and our visit tonight, it’s clear he’s prepared for this moment. He has a strong plan, understands how to build a staff, and knows what it takes to elevate a roster. Our objective remains the same—winning games and contending for championships—and we are committed to providing Coach Stefanski with the support and resources necessary to succeed.”

Before entering the coaching ranks, Stefanski played defensive back at the University of Pennsylvania from 2000–04, earning two All-Ivy League selections and Freshman of the Year honors.

Stefanski and his wife Michelle are Philadelphia natives and have three children—Juliette, Will and Gabe.

With leadership now in place at the top of football operations and on the sideline, the Falcons officially turn the page—focused on structure, accountability, and building a sustainable winner in Atlanta.