Atlanta GA, January 18, 2026
The Atlanta Falcons have named Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach, marking a major change in the team’s leadership following recent struggles. This five-year contract comes after the dismissal of previous coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. Led by newly appointed President of Football Operations Matt Ryan, the search for a new head coach aimed to instill stability and accountability. Stefanski, with experience from the Cleveland Browns, is now tasked with building a strong coaching staff and a player-driven culture.
Atlanta
Falcons Appoint Kevin Stefanski as New Head Coach Amidst Leadership Overhaul
The Atlanta Falcons officially named Kevin Stefanski as the franchise’s 20th head coach on Saturday, January 17, 2026, signaling a significant shift in the team’s leadership. This appointment follows a period of inconsistent performance for the team and marks a new chapter for the organization. Stefanski’s agreement with the Falcons is reportedly a five-year contract.
This critical decision comes in the wake of the Falcons’ recent conclusion to the 2025 season, which saw the dismissal of both former head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. The hiring process was notably led by Matt Ryan, the newly appointed President of Football Operations for the Falcons. Ryan, whose role involves overseeing all aspects of football for the franchise, reports directly to owner Arthur Blank and was tasked with leading the search for both a new coach and general manager. Stefanski’s immediate focus upon assuming his new role is to diligently assemble a first-class coaching staff and to foster connections with the individuals who are vital to the team’s future success.
A Path Towards Renewed Stability
The Falcons’ 2025 season concluded with an 8-9 record, which resulted in the team missing the playoffs. This outcome extends a seven-year absence from postseason play and means the team has not achieved a winning record since the 2017 season. The prior head coach, Raheem Morris, compiled a 20-25 record over his two seasons (2024-2025), without qualifying for the postseason. These circumstances underscore the urgency and hope attached to the new leadership. In Stefanski, the Falcons leadership perceives a “team-first leader” who places a high value on accountability and cultivates a player-driven culture. This aligns with a stated vision for building the team on fundamental principles, resilience, and collaborative efforts across all football operations.
Stefanski’s Prior Experience and Accomplishments
Stefanski, 43, brings a significant coaching resume to Atlanta. Prior to this role, he served as the head coach for the Cleveland Browns for six seasons, from 2020 through 2025. During his tenure with the Browns, he achieved a regular-season record of 45 wins and 56 losses. His leadership was recognized nationally with two AP NFL Coach of the Year awards, earned in 2020 and 2023. Under his direction, the Browns made two playoff appearances, achieving an 11-5 record in 2020 and an 11-6 record in 2023. Despite these successes, Stefanski was dismissed by the Browns following a 5-12 finish in their 2025 season. His career also includes a long tenure as an assistant coach with the Minnesota Vikings before joining Cleveland.
The Enduring Quest for Excellence
The Atlanta Falcons, founded on June 30, 1965, and entering the NFL in 1966, carry a history spanning 60 years. As one of the oldest major professional sports teams in America without a championship, the franchise continually seeks the leadership that can guide it to ultimate success. The decision to entrust Kevin Stefanski with the head coaching role reflects a profound institutional aspiration for renewal and competitive excellence, a testament to the enduring human endeavor to strive for achievement in the face of past challenges.
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Matt Ryan is the newly appointed President of Football Operations for the Atlanta Falcons.
Key Features of Kevin Stefanski’s Hiring
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| New Head Coach | Kevin Stefanski |
| Hiring Date | Saturday, January 17, 2026 |
| Contract Length | Five-year deal (reported) |
| Predecessor | Raheem Morris (previous head coach) |
| Led by | Matt Ryan, President of Football Operations |
| Previous Team | Cleveland Browns (Head Coach, 2020-2025) |
| Browns Coaching Record | 45 wins, 56 losses (regular season) |
| Major Awards | 2x AP NFL Coach of the Year (2020, 2023) |
| Falcons 2025 Season Record | 8 wins, 9 losses (missed playoffs) |
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Atlanta Falcons Name Kevin Stefanski as New Head Coach
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
