ATLANTA — The Atlanta Falcons have named former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach.
Channel 2 sports reporter Alison Mastrangelo will have reaction to the Falcons’ hire on WSB Tonight at 11 p.m.
Stefanski will be the 20th head coach in Falcons history and will report to the team’s president of football, Matt Ryan.
“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,” said Ryan.
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Stefanski started his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings in 2006. He worked his way up to offensive coordinator for the Vikings before the Cleveland Browns job opened in 2020.
In his five seasons with the Browns, Stefanski led the team to two playoff appearances behind an 11-5 record in 2020 and 11-6 record in 2023. He won Coach of the Year both seasons. He finished his career in Cleveland with a 45-56 overall record.
“I’m beyond thrilled to be charged with leading this iconic franchise,” said Stefanski. “I am grateful to Mr. Blank and Matt Ryan for trusting me to coach this football team and there are many talented players on our roster that I cannot wait to coach.”
“We share a vision for this football team that I believe will make Falcons fans everywhere proud. We will get to work immediately putting together a first-class coaching staff and working hard to get to know all the great people that are so important to getting us all where we want to go,” he added.
Falcons owner Arthur M. Blank also sang the praises of the franchise’s new coach. He said they have found a coach with the right vision and focus for the future.
“From all our research and a wonderful visit with him tonight, I believe he is the right coach to take the talent on our roster to a new level and to work with Matt, our new GM and all our football personnel to build on the strong foundation in place and take it to new heights,” Blank said.
“Our objective is to win games and contend for championships every year and that is where our shared focus will remain. We are committed to putting all necessary support and resources around Coach Stefanski to achieve that success and the work has already begun,” he added.
The only missing piece left for the Atlanta Falcons is a new general manager.
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